The Federal Government has restated its commitment to the protection of the rights of children in the country from all forms of molestation and abuses.
The Honourable Minister of Women Affairs, Barrister (Mrs) Uju Kennedy Ohanenye, stated this today at the Force Criminal Intelligence Department (FCID), Abuja during the formal presentation of Mrs Adachukwu Okafor, the Onitsha-based lawyer who was alleged to have inflicted some injuries on her 10-year-old maid recently.
She stated that children are the future of every nation and as such, deserve to grow up in a happy, safe, healthy, productive and enabling environment that is conducive for learning and development to enable them to be psychologically and emotionally balanced so as to play strategic roles in years to come.
The Minister informed that under her watch, “the Ministry will rise up to fight all forms of molestation against the Nigerian Child because our children must be allowed to breathe in their own Fatherland”.
“My Ministry will take action when anyone tempers with any child or woman” she emphasized.
Barrister Kennedy-Ohanenye explained that as part of measures aimed at ending cases of child abuse and molestation in the country, the government is putting an end to the issue of employing underage house helps henceforth below the age of 18.
She commended the Security Agencies and the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) in particular for their unflinching support in ensuring the full implementation of the policies and objectives of government in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Administration.
While applauding President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for creating the enabling environment for the upliftment of the lives of Nigerians, especially children, women and the vulnerable in the society, Barrister Kennedy-Ohanenye assured that the Ministry will continue to monitor the case until justice is served.
Earlier, the National Coordinator, and Other Vices (POCACOV) CSP Okuwobi Iloabanafor stated that “on 29th January, 2024, the suspect accused her maid of fondling with her child’s private part, leading to the many unfortunate incidences that transpired”.
She assured that the NPF has zero tolerance for domestic violence; abuse of minors and vulnerable persons, adding that the suspect will soon be charged to court after thorough investigation has been concluded on the matter.
On her part, the suspect, Mrs Adachukwu Okafor, alleged that the 10 year victim was caught having sex with her 6-year-old son.
Signed
Mrs Grace Njoku
Head, Press and Public Relations
