The Edo State Government has raised concerns over the increasing number of child abuse cases involving family members, revealing that incest accounts for a significant proportion of reported cases handled by the state Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Eugenia Abdallah, said about 60 per cent of child abuse cases managed by the ministry involve incest, with many cases involving sexual abuse of children by close relatives.
Abdallah disclosed this during an interview in Benin, where she described the situation as deeply disturbing, particularly because some victims are children between the ages of two and 16 years.
She made the disclosure while providing an update on the case of a 14-year-old girl from Irrua, Esan Central Local Government Area, who recently gave birth to a stillborn child.
The commissioner said the teenager was allegedly impregnated by her father and is currently receiving medical care and support.
According to Abdallah, the Edo State Government is providing the survivor with medical treatment, psychological counselling and other forms of psychosocial assistance to help her recover from the experience.
She added that plans were also being made to support the girl’s education and provide vocational training opportunities to help her rebuild her future.
The commissioner explained that the girl’s mother had died, after which the father allegedly placed additional responsibilities on the child that were previously handled by her mother.
She alleged that the man later sexually abused the teenager and that he had previously forced her to undergo two abortions before authorities became involved.
Abdallah said the prolonged manipulation and emotional pressure allegedly experienced by the girl affected her response when officials intervened, as she reportedly appealed against her father’s arrest.
She disclosed that the suspect fled after becoming aware of the government’s intervention and remains wanted, while security agencies continue efforts to locate him.
The commissioner stressed the importance of protecting whistleblowers and victims of child abuse, noting that fear of intimidation or retaliation often prevents people from reporting such cases.
She assured residents that individuals who report abuse cases would have their identities protected and would receive necessary support from relevant authorities.
Abdallah said perpetrators involved in child abuse cases handled by the ministry are not limited to family members, adding that alleged offenders have also included neighbours, teachers, uncles and siblings.
She urged parents, educators, religious leaders and community members to remain alert and take greater responsibility for children’s safety.
The commissioner emphasised the importance of schools in preventing child abuse and gender-based violence, urging teachers to educate children about personal boundaries, safety and how to seek help.
She said the state’s Gender-Based Violence Clubs and Child Rights Implementation Committees in schools were helping to create awareness and encourage children to speak out against abuse.
According to Abdallah, the ministry also conducts regular sensitisation campaigns in markets, rural communities and religious organisations to educate residents about child protection and reduce the stigma associated with reporting abuse.
She added that the state government collaborates with the Sexual Assault Referral Centre, the police and specialised Family and Magistrate Courts to ensure proper handling of sexual and gender-based violence cases.
The commissioner said successful prosecutions of gender-based violence offenders in Edo State have resulted in prison sentences ranging from 14 years to life imprisonment.
She called on residents to report suspected cases of child abuse promptly, stressing that early intervention remains critical in protecting vulnerable children.
The Edo Government had previously raised concerns about incest-related abuse during a bi-monthly briefing organised by the Ministry of Information and Strategy, where the case of the 14-year-old survivor was also highlighted.
Child abuse remains a major social concern in Nigeria, including: Sexual abuse, Physical violence, Neglect, Exploitation, Harmful cultural practices
Government agencies, civil society organisations and child protection groups have consistently encouraged early reporting, survivor support and stronger enforcement of child protection laws.
The Edo State Government has established partnerships involving:
Gender-Based Violence response centres, Police authorities, Healthcare providers, Family and Magistrate Courts, Community awareness programmes
These efforts aim to improve survivor support and strengthen prosecution of offenders.
