FG denounces abuse of children in Port Harcourt as ‘barbaric’, vows full prosecution

From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja

Federal Government has vehemently condemned the recent horrifying abuse of children in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, carried out under the guise of a “spiritual cleansing” ritual. The incident, described as a blatant affront to human dignity, has drawn fierce rebuke from the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim.

In a statement issued through her media aide, Jonathan Eze, the Minister labeled the ordeal as “barbaric and criminal,” emphasising it as a “gross violation of the Child Rights Act.” She stressed that no tolerance would be extended to perpetrators, regardless of whether they are strangers, community figures, or even parents.

“Any individual or group found responsible for such deplorable acts will be made to answer under the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act,” he declared. “This includes parents or guardians who either participate in or turn a blind eye to the abuse of their own children.”

Sulaiman-Ibrahim praised the quick and effective intervention by the Nigeria Police Force, particularly the Rivers State Command, and the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), led by Director-General Hajiya Binta Bello. Their prompt actions have ensured the rescue and protection of the affected children.

The Minister also acknowledged the bravery of citizens who recorded and reported the abuse, lauding their vigilance as integral to the government’s “See Something, Say Something, We Will Do Something” campaign. However, she cautioned the public to direct such reports to official law enforcement channels to avoid compromising rescue operations or victims’ privacy.

Currently, the rescued children are under protective care and receiving the necessary support aligned with the provisions of the Child Rights Act, which has been implemented nationwide.

Under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the Ministry reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to safeguarding Nigerian children from all forms of neglect, abuse, and exploitation.

“We shall not rest until every child in Nigeria is safe to grow, dream, and thrive,” the Minister affirmed. “How we protect our children today determines the destiny of our nation tomorrow.”