“We originally wanted to sell the boys for N2 million because they are males. But after serious bargaining by the Commissioner, we decided to sell them at N1,800,000 million,” the woman confessed in Awka, Anambra State.
By Emma Ogbuehi
A 38-year-old woman, Chinyere Chukwu, has been arrested in Awka, Anambra State for attempting to sell her two sons aged nine and seven.
Mrs. Chukwu was said to have connived with her 17-year-old daughter, Joy Chukwu, in committing the crime.
They were apprehended by Anambra State Women and Social Welfare Commissioner, Ify Obinabo, who posed as buyer following a tip-off.
The suspects were lured from Okija to Awka where they were nabbed.
Confessing to the crime, the 38-year-old woman blamed the act on economic hardship.
She said, “My daughter and I agreed to sell my two sons due to economic hardship.
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“I have 11 kids. I had two for my husband and the remaining nine after his death. Since then, I have not been able to give them adequate love and care.
“We originally wanted to sell the boys for N2 million because they are males. But after serious bargaining by the Commissioner, we decided to sell them at N1,800,000 million.”
While pleading for pardon as it was her first attempt, the suspect further revealed that she developed interest in the business following her neighbour’s successful sale of her kids.
On her part, the daughter, the eldest of the 11 children, said her plan was to use the proceeds from the sale to further her tertiary education.
Reacting, the Commissioner ordered arrest of the neighbour, while the remaining kids of the suspect be taken into government’s custody for proper care.
She further directed contact tracing of the neighbour’s kid should follow in order to retrieve the child.
Obinabo, who was visibly sad over the incident, assured of government’s resolve in eradicating crimes, warning that anyone found culpable would be handed over to police for prosecution.