Kwara govt warns against child abuse after 12-year-old girl rescued over alleged maltreatment

The Kwara State Government has warned parents and guardians against child maltreatment and all forms of abuse, vowing to enforce child protection laws following the rescue of a 12-year-old girl allegedly maltreated by her stepmother, father and a neighbour.

The Commissioner for Women Affairs, Chief Afolashade, gave the warning in her office, reiterating the state government’s commitment to protecting children from abuse, exploitation, child marriage, domestic servitude, abandonment and assault.

She said the administration of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq would not tolerate any form of child abuse, noting that maltreatment could expose children to trauma and psychological distress.

According to her, the state government is committed to promoting girls’ education, welfare, safety and dignity through the Child Rights Law and the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law.

She added that the measures were designed to provide children with a safe and supportive environment to develop and achieve their full potential.

The commissioner also commended the community where the incident occurred for intervening and ensuring that the alleged perpetrators were promptly apprehended by officers of the Nigeria Police Force.

In her remarks, the Director of the Child Development Directorate, Hajia Idiat Alabi, urged members of the public to report cases of child abuse, child marriage and gender-based violence to the Ministry of Women Affairs, law enforcement agencies and other relevant authorities.

She stressed the need for collective action by government, communities and other stakeholders to protect children, particularly the girl child.

The statement was issued by Iyanu Lawal, Press Secretary to the Ministry of Women Affairs.