The National Coordinator of the Child Protection Network (CPN), Olakunle Sanni, has raised concerns about the prevalence of unreported child abuse cases, particularly at the grassroots level in Nigeria.
Sanni highlighted that incidents of abuse, including molestation, rape, physical harm, and trafficking, are often silenced in local communities. He spoke on this issue during the inauguration of Community Child Protection Committees and the implementation of the Child Safeguarding and Protection Policy in Abeokuta, Ogun State, on Friday.
The event, organized in collaboration with the Ogun State government and supported by the SOS Village, saw committee members selected from the state’s 20 local government areas.
Sanni emphasized the importance of establishing structures at the grassroots to protect children effectively.
“We need to take this work to the grassroots because that is where the families are, and it’s also where people tend to cover up such cases. When communities understand the importance of addressing these issues, they will see that taking action benefits the children in their communities,” he said.
He added that the initiative involves training grassroots committees and engaging children directly, stating, “A solution for children without involving the children is never truly for the children.”
Adedamola Lapite, the CPN State Coordinator, expressed frustration over the frequency of child abuse cases, stating that an estimated 100 incidents go unreported daily. He attributed the recurrence of abuse to perpetrators escaping justice and victims being silenced.
“When victims are silenced, perpetrators are emboldened. They believe they can act without consequences, which is why these incidents continue to occur in Ogun State,” Lapite said.
Regarding the need for special courts to handle child abuse cases, Lapite noted that such courts would only be effective if there were enough cases to try. “We must ensure cases are reported and handled properly; otherwise, the courts will remain underutilized,” he stated.
Delivering a goodwill message, Ilesanmi Adeola of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) Counseling and Rehabilitation Unit, urged parents to listen to their children and engage them in meaningful conversations.
Similarly, Adebayo Fashina, representing the Director for Child at the Ogun State Ministry of Women Affairs, Mrs. Ajala Adenike, pledged the ministry’s support in promoting child safety and enforcing discipline in schools without abuse.
The event underscored the urgent need for collective action to address child abuse and safeguard vulnerable children, particularly in rural communities.
