Benin: The Edo Government has revealed that approximately 60 percent of reported child abuse cases managed by the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development involve incest, with a significant number of these cases being father-daughter sexual abuse. The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Eugenia Abdallah, shared these details in an interview, emphasizing the alarming nature of the situation.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Abdallah stated that the victims of incest handled by the ministry are aged between two and 16 years. The commissioner provided these statistics while updating on a case involving a 14-year-old girl from Irrua, Esan Central Local Government Area, who recently delivered a stillborn baby. The girl, whose identity is protected, was allegedly impregnated by her father and is currently receiving medical care.
The Edo Government is offering the girl medical attention, psychological counselling, and psychosocial support, along with plans for her continued education and vocational training. Abdallah explained that these steps aim to aid in her recovery, enhance her wellbeing, and provide future opportunities. After the death of her mother, the girl’s father allegedly forced her to assume her mother’s responsibilities, leading to her pregnancy and two forced abortions prior to government intervention.
Abdallah reported that the suspect fled after government intervention and remains at large, with efforts ongoing to locate and apprehend him. She emphasized the importance of protecting those who report child abuse, as fear of retaliation may deter victims and witnesses from coming forward. The commissioner assured the public that identities would be kept confidential to encourage reporting.
The ministry handles cases involving other alleged perpetrators, such as neighbors, teachers, uncles, and brothers, highlighting the need for vigilance. Abdallah called for stronger child protection measures and urged community leaders to report suspicious behavior. She underscored the role of schools in preventing child abuse and promoting safety awareness among children.
The ministry conducts sensitization programs every three weeks to raise awareness and reduce stigma, working with various stakeholders, including the Sexual Assault Referral Centre and specialized courts, to handle cases of sexual and gender-based violence. Convictions in such cases in the state carry sentences ranging from 14 years to life imprisonment.
Parents, teachers, and community leaders were urged to remain watchful and report suspected abuse promptly. NAN reports that the Edo Government had previously highlighted concerns over incestuous child abuse during a bi-monthly briefing by the Ministry of Information and Strategy, where Abdallah initially disclosed the case of the 14-year-old girl.