Mrs Maria Edeko, Edo State Commissioner for Social Development and Gender Issues, has announced the shut down of a famous orphanage home in the state, Faithland over allegation of selling a baby girl for N1.7m.
Edeko added that the operating licence of the facility was also withdrawn.
“Famous Faithland Home has been implicated in alleged sales of children. Since the report came, we started investigating the matter and today (Friday), Edo State Government has withdrawn the temporary licence granted to the orphanage. The orphanage has not operated within the confines of the law. The 17 children in the home are being relocated to a safe place.
“The governor is passionate about vulnerable persons especially children. The state government is also working within the mandate and vision of the governor to train managers of orphanage homes in the state in how to operate the centres.
“No child under the watch of Governor Godwin Obaseki will be trafficked, abused or sold. Anyone that wants to do otherwise should be ready to face the law. Orphanages should not be seen as a place to make money,” she said.