Child trafficking orphanage sealed in Abuja

The Federal Capital Territory Administration has shut down Divine Hope Orphanage and Less Privileged Home in Kagini, Abuja, following allegations of child trafficking and other child‑welfare violations. Idris Attah, Director of Child Development at the FCT Women Affairs Secretariat, confirmed the closure in a statement, explaining that the facility was sealed to allow a thorough investigation of its activities.

Attah said the orphanage’s proprietress, Grace Ebele Chibuzor, allegedly fled with an unspecified number of children to an unknown location without notifying the authorities. This has raised serious concerns about the safety and well‑being of the children under her care. The closure will remain in effect pending the outcome of investigations into the orphanage’s conduct.

Preliminary inquiries have linked the orphanage to a recent case involving four siblings who were allegedly taken from Ado in Nasarawa State and moved to Gwagwalada in the FCT. The children, aged 11, 7, 4 and 2, have since been reunited with their biological parents. Further findings suggest an alleged connection between the orphanage and Anderson Archibong, Executive Secretary of the National Council of Child Rights Advocates of Nigeria, who is currently at large. Authorities suspect this relationship may have facilitated the illegal movement of children from states such as Benue and Nasarawa into Abuja for unauthorized fostering and adoption.

The FCT Administration is urging anyone with information about the whereabouts of the missing children or suspects to report immediately to the nearest security agency. The closure underscores the need for increased vigilance and regulation of child‑care facilities to prevent trafficking and other forms of exploitation. The administration’s swift action demonstrates its commitment to protecting the rights and well‑being of vulnerable children. As the investigation continues, authorities will work to reunite any other affected children with their families and bring those responsible to justice.