Nigerian media report that 162 babies and children have been rescued from three illegal orphanages – one of which is referred to as a “baby factory”.
The precise nature of the so-called baby factory is not clear. The term is sometimes used to describe children’s homes where abandoned or orphaned babies are sold for profit.
But, in a previous case, the phrase has also described a place where pregnant women were reportedly held until they gave birth and their babies sold. Speaking yesterday about the 162 children in this latest case, Lagos state Commisioner for Youths and Social Development Agboola Dabiri said:
“ To ensure protection for children we have shut three illegal orphanages homes. Of these, one operates as baby factory while two others were unregistered homes. The children and teenagers rescued from the baby factory and homes were placed at government-approved homes for care and protection.” AFP
