The spokesperson of the 16 pregnant girls rescued from a baby-factory in Aba last week, Ifeoma Ozoemelam, has said they are victims of circumstances and apologised for their wrong doing.
Miss Ozoemelam made the explanation after 10 of them were addressed by the wife of Abia State governor, Precillia Otti at Women’s Development Centre, Ministry of Women Affairs, Umuahia, the state capital.
She said they had accepted Mrs Otti’s offer to them to learn skill of their choice to engage in meaningful ventures and become useful for themselves and their families.
Commending the state first lady for her concern for them and providing them with palliatives, she advised her fellow young girls to avoid leading lives that would dishonour them.
Speaking earlier, Mrs Otti said the administration had mapped out plans to rehabilitate and train the girls in skills, and equip them to change their orientation and make them self-reliant.
Represented by the wife of the deputy governor, Adaeze Emetu, she said the conditions that led the girls to the baby-factory was unfortunate, adding that perpetrators of the heinous crime will be brought to book.
The representative of Mrs Otti, who had earlier visited Amachara General Hospital, Umuahia, where six of the girls were admitted for medical complications, expressed delight with their progress.
She, therefore, warned parents and guidance to be mindful and monitor the company their children and wards keep to avoid unpleasant situations and their attendant consequences.
