...five pregnant girls rescued, three suspects arrested as CP Lawal orders full-scale investigation
The Ondo State Police Command has recorded two major security breakthroughs with the uncovering of a suspected baby factory and human trafficking syndicate in Ore, as well as the arrest of members of a notorious kidnapping gang operating along major highways in the South-West region.
According to two separate statements signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka Olushola, the twin operations underscore the renewed determination of the Command under Commissioner of Police, CP Adebowale Lawal, to rid the state of criminal elements and safeguard lives and property.
The first operation, which exposed the baby factory, followed the distress report of a 17-year-old pregnant girl, identified as Vivian Peter from Akwa Ibom State. She was reportedly trafficked to Ore under the guise of being offered a job but later found herself trapped in a facility where young pregnant girls were allegedly held until delivery, after which their babies were sold.
DSP Ayanlade said the girl managed to escape and reported the incident at Ore Division, prompting a swift raid on the facility by operatives of the Command’s Gender-Based Violence Unit. The raid led to the rescue of five pregnant girls and a baby boy. One of the victims had already given birth and is receiving post-natal care at the General Hospital, Ore, while the others are in protective custody.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the operator of the baby factory, identified as Ada Clement, and her accomplices confessed to selling babies for prices ranging from ₦400,000 to ₦600,000 depending on gender, with male children fetching higher sums.
Reacting to the discovery, CP Adebowale Lawal described the incident as “a horrifying reminder of the depths of human exploitation,” and ordered a comprehensive investigation to ensure all members of the trafficking ring are arrested and prosecuted. He added that detectives are already on the trail of other fleeing suspects linked to the syndicate.
In a separate operation, operatives of the State Anti-Kidnapping Section (SAKS), Akure, arrested a 20-year-old suspect, Abdullahi Ibrahim, believed to be part of a kidnapping syndicate responsible for several abductions along the Benin–Ore and Sagamu–Lagos expressways.
Following credible intelligence, the suspect was apprehended in Ore and reportedly confessed to belonging to a gang that operates across several southern states, targeting travelers along major highways. His confession led detectives to Benin City, Edo State, where two other members of the gang were arrested.
The suspects are currently in custody and assisting investigators with vital information to apprehend other fleeing gang members.
Commending his men for the successful operations, CP Lawal praised their professionalism and diligence, noting that the Command will not relent in its efforts to dismantle criminal networks operating within and around the state.
He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to the directives of the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, in ensuring the fight against human trafficking, kidnapping, and gender-based violence is pursued with renewed vigor.
“The safety and dignity of every resident remain our top priority,” CP Lawal stated, urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the nearest police formation.
Both incidents, coming just days apart, have been hailed as clear evidence of the Ondo State Police Command’s intensified campaign against organized crime.
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