Abia re-unites 22 rescued pregnant girls with families

By Sola Omoniyi, Lagos

After rehabilitation, the Abia State government has reunited 22 pregnant girls with their families. The girls were rescued in June from Nma Charity and Social Mothers Rehabilitation Centre, Umunkpeyi Nvosi, in Isiala Ngwa South Local Council of Abia.

The girls were freed by soldiers of the 14 Brigade, Nigeria Army based at Ohafia, following a tip-off, while allegedly awaiting deliveries of their babies.

The girls were at various stages of pregnancy during their rescue from the centre, and were, thereafter, on the directive of the state government, taken to Madonna College Medical Centre, Olokoro, near Umuahia, the state capital, for medical care, rehabilitation, and counselling.

Speaking at the weekend, while reuniting with their families, the state Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs Ngozi Felix, said the exercise followed the completion of necessary care.

The Commissioner, who was represented by the Director in charge of the ministry, Mrs Onwuka Nnennaya, said the government considered it necessary to reunite the girls with their families after rehabilitation. She also enjoined their families and communities to show them love, devoid of stigmatisation or discrimination.

Speaking on behalf of the girls, Blessing Otuonye, who lost her twins during rehabilitation, thanked the state government and management of the college for their care, promising to shun acts that led to her admission at the charity home.