Kwara govt rescues 30 children from unapproved orphanage in Ilorin, begins rehabilitation

The Kwara State Government has rescued 30 children from the Iranlowo Oluwa Orphanage and Children’s Home, an unapproved facility in Ilorin, following concerns over their welfare and living conditions.

The children, comprising boys and girls aged between two and 15, were rescued on Thursday by officials of the Ministry of Social Development and moved to a government-approved shelter.

The ministry said the children are now receiving medical attention, nutrition support and psychosocial counselling as part of a post-rescue assessment and rehabilitation process.

The Commissioner for Social Development, Hajiya Mariam Nnfatima Imam, said the intervention was aimed at safeguarding the children’s rights and welfare while assessing their health, educational and other immediate needs.

She said the ministry had also commenced family tracing and reunification for children whose circumstances make reunification appropriate.

Children who cannot be reunited with their families may be placed in approved care facilities, subject to proper documentation, assessment and follow-up, she added.

Imam said the government would continue to provide the children with the support needed to regain a sense of safety and stability as the rehabilitation process progresses.

She also directed all orphanages, children’s homes and other childcare institutions operating in the state to obtain registration and approval from the Ministry of Social Development.

The commissioner further directed approved facilities to display the inscription “Approved by the Kwara State Government” on their signposts to enable members of the public identify them.

The Director of Social Work, Alhaji Hamzat Abdulfatah, who participated in the rescue operation, said the intervention had strengthened collaboration among stakeholders involved in child protection.

According to him, the government’s response would help provide the children with better opportunities and safeguard their future.

Caregivers at the approved shelter said the children had gained access to improved feeding, healthcare, education and psychosocial support following the intervention.