The Lagos State Police Command have rescued 19 pregnant women at a baby factory after raids on four different locations in Isheri-Osun and Ikotun areas of the state.

The rescued victims, aged between 15 and 28 were said to have been kept at the four locations where their babies are  sold between N300,000 and N500,000, depending on the sex.

The policemen and officials of the Ministry of Women Affairs led by Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Chief Superintendent (CSP) Chike Ibe also rescued four kids during the operation.

Briefing newsmen, the Police Spokesman, DSP Bala Elkana said the detectives acted on a tip off at about 4 pm on September 19 and stormed 14, Adisa Street, Ayanwale in Ikotun; 32 Owosho Street, Governor Road, Ikotun; 29, Olugbeyohun Street, Olakunle Bus Stop, Abaranje and 4/6 Anomo Street, Abaranje.

Elkana said the places were suspected to have been used for child trafficking, adding that two suspects, Happiness Ukwuoma, 40 and Sherifat Ipeya, 54 were arrested in connection with the case.

His words: “The suspects did not receive formal medical training but operate as nurses. The suspects are natives of Imo and Epe, Lagos State. The Command has launched a manhunt for the principal suspect, Madam Oluchi from Mbano in Imo State.

“She is a mother of five. The young women were mostly abducted by the suspects for the purpose of getting them pregnant and selling the babies to potential buyers.

“The girls were tricked with employment as domestic staff in Lagos. The suspects sold boys for N500,000 and girls for N300,000.

“The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, Zubairu Muazu has visited the scene and ordered the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (SCIID) to take over the case.

“The Command is working with other agencies and stakeholders in rehabilitating and resettling the pregnant girls and the babies. Investigation is ongoing and the suspects will be charged to court.”