No fewer than 72 cases of child abuse involving children between the ages of two and 10 years have been recorded in Edo State between January and August 2026, with fathers accounting for about 50 percent of the reported cases.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Eugenia Abdallah, disclosed this at the monthly press briefing of the Edo State Ministry of Information and Strategy, describing the situation as alarming.
Abdallah said the reported cases highlight the disturbing vulnerability of children, particularly within environments where they are expected to be protected and cared for.
She cited the case of a 14-year-old girl currently in the custody of the ministry who is eight months pregnant, allegedly for her father.
According to the Commissioner, the girl’s father has since gone into hiding, while the teenager has remained reluctant to disclose his whereabouts to the authorities.
Abdallah said the incident was brought to the attention of the ministry by a neighbour, underscoring the importance of members of the public speaking up whenever they suspect that a child is being abused.
She expressed concern that many cases of child abuse may go unreported because of fear, family pressure or the reluctance of victims to speak about their experiences.
The Commissioner therefore urged parents, guardians, neighbours, schools, religious organisations, community leaders and other stakeholders to remain vigilant and promptly report suspected cases of child abuse to the appropriate authorities.
She stressed that protecting children was a collective responsibility, adding that early reporting and intervention could help prevent further abuse and ensure that victims receive the necessary care, protection and support.
Abdallah reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to strengthening child protection mechanisms and ensuring that perpetrators of child abuse are brought to justice.
