In a distressing incident that unfolded in Anambra, a 38-year-old woman, Chinyere Chukwu, and her 17-year-old daughter, Joy Chukwu, were apprehended for their involvement in attempting to sell the woman’s nine-year-old and seven-year-old sons. The arrest, orchestrated by Anambra State’s Women and Social Welfare Commissioner, Ify Obinabo, came after a tip-off. The suspects were successfully lured from their residence in Okija to Awka, where they were eventually caught.
Upon investigation, the 38-year-old woman attributed their desperate act to the harsh realities of economic hardship. In her confession, she revealed, “My daughter and I agreed to sell our two sons due to economic hardship. I have eleven kids—two from my late husband and the remaining nine after his demise. Since then, I have struggled to provide them with adequate love and care.” The mother originally set the asking price for the boys at N2 million, considering their gender, but after negotiations with Commissioner Obinabo, they settled on selling them for N1.8 million.
Seeking understanding and forgiveness, the woman disclosed that her foray into this disturbing business was influenced by her neighbor’s purportedly successful sale of her own children. In a troubling turn of events, the daughter, the eldest of the 11 siblings, revealed that her plan was to use the proceeds from the sale to fund her tertiary education.
Reacting decisively to the situation, Commissioner Ify Obinabo ordered the arrest of the neighbor involved in a similar incident. Furthermore, in the interest of the children’s welfare, she directed that the remaining kids of the suspects be taken into government custody for proper care and support. Additionally, efforts are underway to trace and retrieve the child involved in the neighbor’s case. This alarming incident underscores the critical need for social intervention and protection for vulnerable children and families facing economic hardship.
Saddened by the incident, Obinabo assured the public of the government’s unwavering commitment to eradicating crime, issuing a stark warning: anyone found culpable would face prosecution.
Facing tough times can be really hard, especially for women. It’s important to know that asking for help is a brave thing to do. Talk to people you trust, like friends or family, and don’t be afraid to seek support from professionals. Your feelings matter, and it’s okay to show them. By working together and reaching out, we can get through tough times and build a better future filled with hope and strength.