A 38-year-old woman, Chinyere Chukwu, has been apprehended in Anambra state for trying to sell her two sons, aged 9 and 7 years.
The arrest unfolded as Anambra State Women and Social Welfare Commissioner, Mrs. Ify Obinabo, posing as a buyer, acted on a tip-off.
Chukwu, who collaborated with her 17-year-old daughter, Joy Chukwu, was lured from Okija to Awka, where they were arrested. In her confession, the widow attributed the heinous act to economic hardship, saying that the decision was made in desperation to cope with financial challenges.
The suspect, a mother of 11, explained that she had been unable to provide adequate love and care for her children due to extreme hardship. The original asking price for the boys was two million naira, later negotiated down to N1,800,000 during the transaction with the undercover commissioner.
In a disturbing revelation, Chukwu disclosed that she was inspired by her neighbour’s successful sale of her own children. Joy, the daughter, admitted planning to use her share of the proceeds to fund her tertiary education.
Reacting to the incident, Commissioner Obinabo ordered the arrest of the neighbour involved and ensured the remaining children were taken into government custody for proper care. She also directed a thorough investigation to trace and retrieve the neighbour’s child.
Expressing sadness over the situation, the Commissioner reiterated the government’s commitment to eradicating such crimes, warning that anyone found culpable would be handed over to the police for prosecution.
