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By Justina Auta
The Federal Government has condemned the inhumane treatment of children in Port Harcourt, Rivers, carried out under the guise of a “spiritual cleansing” exercise.
Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, Minister of Women Affairs and Social Welfare, stated this in Abuja on Saturday in a statement signed by her Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Jonathan Eze.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim called the act “barbaric, criminal, and a gross violation of the Child Rights Act”.
She disclosed that the rescued children were currently receiving care and support under protective custody in line with the Act.
“Whether by strangers, community leaders, or parents, any individual or group found culpable of such heinous acts will be held accountable under the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act.
“This includes any parent or guardian who aided or condoned the abuse,” she warned.
The minister commended the Nigeria Police Force and the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for their swift deployment to rescue and safeguard the affected children.
She also acknowledged vigilant citizens who recorded and exposed the abuse, noting that “their courage embodies the spirit of our ‘See Something, Say Something, We Will Do Something’ campaign”.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim, however, urged the public to channel such reports directly to the Police, NAPTIP, or relevant agencies to ensure swift intervention without jeopardising rescue efforts or the victims’ privacy.
She reaffirmed the commitment of President Bola Tinubu’s administration to tackling all forms of abuse, neglect, and exploitation, especially those targeting vulnerable children.
“We will not rest until Nigeria becomes a safe place for every child to grow, dream, and thrive. The soul of our nation depends on how we protect its future; our children,” she said. (NAN)
Edited by Yakubu Uba
Published By
- Agriculture and Environment Desk Controller/Website Content Manager.