By IMELDA OSAYANDE

The Edo Government says it is currently attending to over 72 cases of child abuse, with most of the sexual abuse cases involving fathers and their minor daughters.

Ms Eugenia Abdallah, State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, disclosed while giving an account of the ministry’s activities between October 2025 and August 2026 at a news conference on Thursday in Benin.

Abdallah said the ministry is placing keen attention on the rehabilitation of victims, while pursuing prosecution of offenders.

“In response to child abuse and sexual exploitation, the ministry responded to serious cases, including allegations involving two sisters and an 11-year-old girl.

“We provided protective medical and psychosocial support, while the cases were referred for investigation and prosecution,” she said.

The commissioner said the ministry has inaugurated a Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SAC) in Uromi, Edo Central, in collaboration with the International Organisation for Migration.

She added that work is ongoing to establish another centre in Auchi, to ensure that all three senatorial districts of the state have a SAC centre.

To address technology-facilitated abuse, Abdallah said the ministry conducted awareness campaigns on cyberbullying, online harassment, and digital exploitation, culminating in the validation of the Technology-Facilitated GBV Policy Framework in June 2026.

On child welfare, she said the ministry introduced a digital child welfare case management system to improve documentation, case tracking and monitoring of children in orphanages.

“The 2026 Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy was also reviewed to address online exploitation, AI risks and institutional abuse.

“Following the incident at Igbenedion Primary and Secondary School, the Child Rights Implementation Committee adopted a work plan and set up a school monitoring subcommittee.

“In April 2026, the ministry also shut down an allegedly illegal children’s home in Owan East Local Government and handed the operator over to law enforcement.

“The ministry further rescued a newborn in Ubiaja and reunited three children with their families,” she said.

On women empowerment and health,

Abdallah said 171 women across the three senatorial districts received business and digital marketing training, followed by N100,000 grant each to strengthen their businesses.

“A three-day women’s mini trade fair was also held during the 2026 International Women’s Day.

“In collaboration with the Office of the Governor’s Wife, the ministry organised a health, fitness and wellness programme at Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin.

“It also sensitised secondary school girls on menstrual hygiene and distributed sanitary pads.

“Community sensitisation was expanded through schools, religious and traditional institutions to improve awareness of women’s legal rights and GBV reporting pathways,” she said.

The commissioner said that the ministry in May 2026, commenced a structured mental health rescue programme.

Abdallah cited the case of Mr Peter Mugabedia, a returnee from America found on the streets, who was treated at the neuropsychiatric hospital and reunited with his family.

Others reunited, she said, included Mrs Evu Egosa, Mrs Cecilia Opara, and some Togolese nationals.

She also said that facilities, including those in Ewu were inspected to ensure acceptable standards before vulnerable persons were admitted.

According to her, the state’s technical committee on female genital mutilation was sworn-in, in March 2026, to strengthen the campaign against the practice.

She added that the ministry also supported drug abuse prevention, treatment and rehabilitation efforts.

She said no fewer than 80 beneficiaries completed vocational training in hairdressing, wig making, barbeque, pastries, finger foods, and coffee and tea production, and received certification and start-up support.

Abdallah said the ministry hosted the 25th National Council on Women’s Affairs and Social Development, and strengthened partnerships with IOM, UNICEF, GIZ, and other stakeholders.

She appreciated Gov. Monday Okpebholo and the Office of the Governor’s Wife for their support.

“Under the SHINE Agenda, the ministry remains committed to protecting children, empowering women, supporting vulnerable persons, strengthening families, promoting dignity and inclusion, and ensuring that no one is left behind,” she said. (NAN)

•Eugenia Abdallah, Edo Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development (Right) during the news conference

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