The Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development has condemned the alleged abuse of a 12-year-old boy, Master Ugonna Uzoma, in Aba, Abia State, reportedly involving his father.
The Ministry described the incident as a grave violation of the child’s dignity and fundamental rights, stressing that parental authority must never be used to justify violence, torture, cruelty or humiliation.
The development was contained in a statement issued in Abuja by the Head of Press and Public Relations Department of the Ministry, Ahmed Lawan Danbazau.
The Ministry commended the Nigeria Police Force and the Abia State Ministry of Women Affairs for their prompt intervention, including the arrest of the alleged perpetrator and the placement of the child under protective care.
It also raised concern over a separate case in Onitsha, Anambra State, involving the alleged abuse of children by their mother, which was reportedly recorded and circulated online.
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According to the Ministry, sharing videos or images depicting abused children can worsen the harm suffered by victims by exposing them to further humiliation and trauma.
It therefore urged members of the public not to download, repost, forward or circulate such materials. Instead, anyone who encounters suspected child-abuse content should preserve relevant information securely and report the matter to law enforcement or appropriate child-protection authorities.
The Ministry stressed that abuse must not be normalised because it occurs within the family or is presented as discipline.
It further called for stronger collaboration among government agencies, security authorities, the judiciary, child-protection organisations and communities to ensure the protection of children, proper investigation and prosecution where wrongdoing is established.
The Ministry reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to protecting children from violence, exploitation, abuse and online harm, urging Nigerians to speak up and report suspected cases through the appropriate channels.
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