Child protection stakeholders raise alarm over rising abuse in Nigeria

Stakeholders in child protection and justice administration in Kaduna State have raised alarms regarding the rising number of unreported sexual abuse cases involving boys. Experts note that many perpetrators are known to the victims, including relatives, neighbors, or other trusted adults. The issue is compounded by social stigma and family pressure to conceal such incidents.

In Kaduna, the Salama Sexual Assault Referral Centre has treated multiple children for sexual assault. One reported case involved a boy whose medical examination confirmed assault, followed by three other boys from the same family being brought to the center later. Legal frameworks such as the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law 2018 and the Child Welfare and Protection Law 2018 are in place to address these offenses.

Broader reports across Nigeria highlight a disturbing trend of child maltreatment. In Anambra State, a woman was arrested for allegedly using a hot knife to injure her seven-year-old daughter. Other reported incidents include the physical beating of a child by a father in Abia, the alleged sale of children by a mother, and cases of sexual abuse involving parental figures.