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Woman Expelled from Umekpu Village in Imo State Over Alleged Child Sale
In a recent incident that has stirred significant attention, a woman from Umekpu village, located in Ogbaku within the Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State, was formally expelled from her community. The expulsion followed accusations that she sold her sister-in-law’s child for the sum of ₦800,000.
Community’s Swift Response to the Allegation
Upon learning of the serious allegation, the village authorities acted promptly, declaring the woman unwelcome in Umekpu. This decisive move reflects the community’s intolerance for such grave misconduct, emphasizing the protection of family and social values.
Public Shaming and Eviction Captured on Video
A video that surfaced on Thursday vividly depicts the woman being escorted out of the village by a large group of residents. The crowd can be heard singing disparaging songs and verbally reprimanding her, underscoring the community’s collective condemnation of her actions.
Official Statement from Village Leadership
In the footage, a community elder explains the rationale behind the banishment:
“We are officially expelling her from Umekpu Village, Ogbaku, in Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State. She sold her sister-in-law’s son—that is, the child of her brother’s wife—for ₦800,000. This act is unacceptable, and therefore, we have no choice but to remove her from our community.”
Context and Broader Implications
This incident highlights ongoing challenges related to child trafficking and exploitation in parts of Nigeria. According to recent reports from the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), cases involving the illegal sale or trafficking of children have seen a worrying increase, with over 1,200 cases recorded nationwide in the past year alone.
Communities like Umekpu are increasingly taking matters into their own hands to deter such offenses, reinforcing social norms and legal frameworks aimed at protecting vulnerable children.
