An advocacy group, the Advocates for Children and Vulnerable Persons Network, has voiced apprehension regarding the situation of a 15-year-old girl (identity protected) who was reportedly sexually assaulted at Sawmill, in the Ifako-Gbagada area of Lagos State.
The group also expressed dismay over the purported refusal of the state Ministry of Youth and Social Development to offer assistance to the victim.
PUNCH Metro disclosed that the perpetrator, known only as Fred, allegedly subjected the victim to repeated sexual abuse over two years, resulting in two pregnancies, both of which were terminated through forced abortions.
The heinous acts were allegedly carried out with the knowledge of the victim’s guardian, who sought the services of a nurse to perform the abortions.
Following the group’s report of the incident to the Ifako police station, the perpetrators were apprehended.
In an interview with a correspondent, the case manager at ACVPN, Jennifer Nwosu, recounted the challenging process of securing shelter for the minor at the ministry’s safe house.
Nwosu mentioned facing rejection from the Ministry’s Child Protection Unit officials despite providing all required documentation for the request.
She elaborated on the efforts made to ensure a safe space for the minor, emphasizing the importance of shielding her from further trauma.
However, the ministry officials allegedly continued to resist, citing specific document requirements that were not met.
Subsequent attempts to comply with their demands were also met with rejection, frustrating Nwosu’s efforts to secure shelter for the victim.
Nwosu urged the ministry’s commissioner, Bolaji Ogunlende, to investigate the matter closely to ensure the victim’s safety.
Responding to the allegations, Ogunlende clarified that the minor was not turned away by the ministry.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the commissioner explained that the ministry had accommodated the child’s wish to stay with her aunt.
He further emphasized the ministry’s commitment to collaborating with law enforcement and social services to safeguard at-risk minors.
Ogunlende underscored the importance of prioritizing the child’s best interests as per the Child’s Rights Law, indicating that in this instance, the child’s preference to be with her family members was respected.