The Federal Government has strongly condemned the abuse of children in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, carried out under the guise of a “spiritual cleansing” exercise.
Minister of Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, described the act as barbaric, criminal, and a gross violation of the Child Rights Act. She warned that anyone found culpable including parents or guardians who aid or condone such practices will face prosecution under the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act.
The minister confirmed that the rescued children are now under protective custody and receiving care in line with the Child Rights Act. She commended the swift intervention of the Nigeria Police Force and the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), as well as citizens who recorded and exposed the abuse.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim urged the public to continue reporting cases of abuse directly to law enforcement agencies to enable prompt action while protecting victims’ privacy. She also emphasized the administration’s commitment to safeguarding the rights of children across the country.
“We will not rest until Nigeria becomes a safe place for every child to grow, dream, and thrive. The soul of our nation depends on how we protect its future our children,” she said.