The Federal
Capital Territory (FCT) Social Development Secretariat,
disclosed that seven guardians have been arrested and already being prosecuted
for allegedly molesting and abusing under aged children, who were in their
custody.
Two among
the guardians, Mr and Mrs Moses Onoja, and Mrs. Ada Okamba, were alleged to
have assaulted and inflicted injuries on 10 year old Precious and 14 year old
Chineye Nwoka.
The Director
of Gender Department, Dr. Agnes Hart, yesterday in Abuja said that the
seven people were already being prosecuted. Hart, who expressed concern that
the phenomenon of child abuse and molestation were increasing in the territory,
stated that the department recorded an average of four assault cases every week.
According to
her, teachers from different schools have been bringing reports about children
who face severe molestation from their guardians. The woman called on residents
to always report cases of child molestation. This was even as she warned that
those who couldn’t protect the rights of children should stop scouting for the
services of house helps. She further stressed that the administration has
zero tolerance for any form of abuse.
She said:
"Here in the FCT, we have a sexual and gender base response team. We have
zero tolerance for any form of abuse against any resident, let alone violence
on a child. Nobody in the FCT can molest a child and go Scot free. The Child
Rights Act of 2003 is very clear on that. Every child has the right to life,
right to quality education, right to healthcare and other fundamental human
rights as enshrined in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
Hart further
said: “This week alone, we have received four cases of child abuse and violence
against children, and this has been the trend. Presently, we have seven of such
cases in the FCT Family Court and we are going to follow through with all of
such cases.”
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