The Child Protection Network Nigeria (CPN Nigeria) commends members of the public, concerned citizens and child protection actors who have spoken out and taken action following the circulation of disturbing videos depicting the alleged abuse and exploitation of children in recent days.
The cases, including the alleged sexual abuse of a seven-year-old girl by her mother and the disturbing case of a 13-year-old boy in Abia State who was reportedly stripped, tied and severely flogged, are deeply troubling reminders that children remain vulnerable to violence, exploitation and abuse – even within environments where they should be safest.
CPN Nigeria particularly commends the Nigeria Police Force for its prompt response to these incidents and the immediate arrest of persons allegedly connected to the reported abuses. In the Abia case, the Police acted after the disturbing video came to public attention, rescued the child, provided medical attention and placed him under protective custody while investigations continue.
We urge the Police and other relevant authorities to ensure that these investigations are conducted professionally, comprehensively and in a child-sensitive manner, and that where sufficient evidence is established, the perpetrators are properly prosecuted in accordance with the law. Arrest must not be the end of the process. Children deserve justice, protection, recovery and long-term support.
THESE ARE CLEAR VIOLATIONS OF CHILDREN’S RIGHTS
The Child Rights Act (CRA) 2003, where applicable and as domesticated by the relevant State, provides strong protections against these forms of abuse.
Section 11 of the Child Rights Act guarantees the Right to Dignity of the Child and expressly provides that no child shall be subjected to:
– physical, mental or emotional injury, abuse, neglect or maltreatment, including sexual abuse;
– torture, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment; or
– attacks upon the child’s honour or reputation.
Section 14 further guarantees every child the right to parental care and protection, while *Section 16* provides for special protection measures for children whose circumstances require additional protection and support.
Of particular relevance to the reported sexual abuse is Section 32(1) of the CRA , which provides that a person who sexually abuses or sexually exploits a child in any manner not already covered under the relevant provisions of the Act commits an offence. Section 32(2) provides for imprisonment for a term of fourteen years upon conviction.
Furthermore, Section 30(2)(e) prohibits the use of a child for the production of pornography or any pornographic performance.
These provisions make one thing clear: a child cannot consent to being sexually exploited, abused, degraded or used for sexualised content. Parenthood, guardianship or any other relationship with a child does not confer the right to violate the child’s dignity, bodily integrity or safety.
COMMENDATION TO CPN ABIA STATE
CPN Nigeria also specially commends the Child Protection Network Abia State for its response and commitment to ensuring that the case involving the abused boy receives the necessary child protection attention.
The response demonstrates the importance of having functional child protection networks at State and local government levels that can rapidly mobilise relevant government agencies, law enforcement, social welfare services, health providers and other stakeholders when children are at risk.
CPN Nigeria encourages CPN Abia State and all other State chapters to continue strengthening collaboration with the Police, Ministries responsible for Women Affairs/Social Development, health institutions, schools, communities and other child protection actors to ensure that rescue is followed by comprehensive case management, psychosocial support, medical care, family assessment, safety planning and appropriate reintegration or alternative care where necessary.
REPORT, DON’T IGNORE
CPN Nigeria commends members of the public whose reports and responsible actions have helped bring these cases to the attention of authorities.
We urge Nigerians to speak up whenever they see, suspect or receive information about child abuse. A child may be unable to report their abuser or protect themselves; therefore, adults and communities have a collective responsibility to act.
At the same time, members of the public are urged not to continue circulating videos or images showing abused children. Sharing such material can further violate the child’s privacy and dignity, expose the child to additional harm and perpetuate the exploitation captured in the original material. Such evidence should instead be preserved appropriately and reported to the Police and relevant child protection authorities.
CPN NIGERIA’S CALL
CPN Nigeria calls on law enforcement and relevant justice institutions to:
– Ensure thorough, professional and child-sensitive investigations into the reported cases.
– Ensure appropriate prosecution where evidence establishes criminal responsibility.
– Protect the identities, privacy and dignity of the affected children.
– Provide victims with medical care, psychosocial support and specialised child protection services.
– Ensure that perpetrators do not evade justice because of family relationships, social status or other considerations.
– Strengthen mechanisms for early reporting and rapid response to child abuse across communities.
– Ensure that children rescued from abusive environments are not simply returned to unsafe situations without proper risk assessment and case management.
The recent incidents should not only provoke public outrage; they must strengthen our collective resolve to build systems that prevent abuse, detect it early, respond effectively and ensure justice for children.
Every child has the right to grow up in safety, dignity and love.
CPN Nigeria therefore calls on every parent, guardian, neighbour, teacher, religious leader, community member, professional and government institution: If you see something, say something. If a child is at risk, act.
Protecting children is everyone’s responsibility.
Signed:
Olakunle Sanni
National Coordinator
Child Protection Network Nigeria (CPN Nigeria)
