The Government of the State of Osun has reiterated its commitment to the welfare of children in the State and would soon commence mass street raid to stop children from being used for hawking at all kinds of hours.
The Commissioner for Women, Children and Social Affairs, Barr. Olubukola Olaboopo, while commenting on the case of gross molestation of a six-year old girl who has been under consistent and flagrant abuse by her foster mother said that the State Government frowns at the abuse of children under any guise.
The said foster mother of the girl, has been identified as a police officer serving at the Ojutu Police Station in Osogbo.
Olaboopo further explained that immediately the case was reported, the State Government took custody of the abused child, and that she had since been under shelter and care of the State.
She said: “In recent times, cases of child abuse have been rampant and have become a major issue in Nigeria. Governments at various levels are enjoined to pay attention to it, as a lot of children are exposed to psychological and emotional abuses which affect their total well being.”
Olaboopo said that the way a society treats children is a reflection of what the future holds for that society, emphasising that the children of today will carry on with the efforts of the current generation to preserve their legacies.
She continued: “The present administration in the State of Osun has zero tolerance for rape, child molestation, child labour and other forms of vices that can endanger the lives of children. The State will soon commence street raid of children who engage in hawking and other labours, and anyone found guilty would face the full wrath of the Law irrespective of their status.
“It is a crime for anyone to violate the Child Rights Law in the State of Osun. The case at hand for instance would be charged to Court any moment soon.”
Olaboopo urged citizens not to keep quiet when they observe that a child is being abused around them, noting that such cases should be reported directly to the Ministry or through a call on the toll free line 293.
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