FCTA Rescues Children From Orphanage in Abuja as Proprietress Flees

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has rescued several children from an orphanage in Kagini, Bwari Area Council, following concerns over their welfare and adoption practices.

The operation, carried out on Tuesday, involved the FCT Department of Child Development, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), and other security and social welfare agencies.

A statement said the intervention followed weeks of discreet investigations by the FCT Women Affairs Secretariat over alleged irregularities in the orphanage’s operations, including reports that some of the children were brought from Benue State.

Citizen FM learnt that some of the rescued children have been identified and placed in protective custody, while arrangements are being made for their safety, medical care and psychological support.

However, officials discovered on arrival that the proprietress of the facility had fled hours earlier, abandoning the premises.

Authorities suspect her disappearance is connected to the ongoing investigation and possible violations of adoption and child protection laws.

The FCT Administration reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing the Child Rights Act and sanitising the adoption process, warning that offenders would be prosecuted.

Investigations are ongoing as security agencies intensify efforts to locate the suspect and determine the full extent of the orphanage’s activities.