The Kwara Government has warned illegal operators of orphanages and such other homes in the state that they risk prosecution for child theft or trafficking.
The government therefore advised the proprietors to ensure they function only within the ambit of the law.
This is contained in a statement issued by Mrs Adesikeola Ajiboye, the Press Secretary of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development in Ilorin on Friday.
The government also warned them against illegal adoption process.
It said warning was given at a meeting held with proprietors of orphanage homes by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Hajia Afusat Ibrahim.
According to the statement, the permanent secretary emphasised that such homes must be duly registered with government and renew their registration licences annually before they can operate in the state.
It said the issue of adoption required legal procedure, stressing that orphanage homes ought to carry out adoption processes through the ministry.
It explained that the ministry was saddled with the responsibilities of children affairs, warning that any individual or corporate body that engaged in illegal adoption will be charged with child theft or child trafficking.
The statement said monthly reports of activities was now compulsory and meeting with orphanage homes would hold quarterly to strengthen the relationship between orphanage homes and the ministry.
