Abuja: The Women Affairs Secretariat of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has resealed Divine Hope Orphanage and Less Privileged Home, Kagini in Kubwa, Abuja, for operating without authorisation. Dr Idris Attah, Director of Child Development in the secretariat, led the operation in Abuja, highlighting that the orphanage was previously sealed in January due to alleged child trafficking and welfare concerns.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the FCT officials were joined by police officers from the FCT Police Command and officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) during the operation. Dr Attah revealed that the orphanage’s management had resumed operations without receiving the necessary authorisation.
He stated that information was received on January 6 from the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons regarding children allegedly trafficked from Benue to Abuja and admitted to the home without a referral from the FCT Women Affairs Secretariat. Despite the initial sealing and ongoing surveillance, the orphanage was found to be operational once more.
Upon inspection, authorities discovered 16 children and three nannies at the premises. The children were subsequently evacuated and relocated to a secure location under the care of the FCT Administration. Dr Attah mentioned that the Permanent Secretary of the secretariat, Hajiya Asmau Mukhtar, instructed the resealing of the premises while emphasizing FCT Minister Nyesom Wike’s firm stance against child trafficking.
He urged orphanages and homes to adhere strictly to legal requirements to ensure the safety and development of children. The operator of the orphanage, Mrs Grace Chubuzor, asserted that she had received a licence from the FCT Administration but admitted that the administration was unaware of the children she had moved from Benue, describing the incident as a ‘mistake’. The children were reportedly brought to her by a man identified as Mr Achibong, who claimed to be affiliated with the FCT Women Affairs Secretariat.