Gombe State community faces child sexual abuse crisis

A child sexual abuse crisis is reportedly unfolding in the Lawanti community, located within the Akko Local Government Area of Gombe State. Victims are facing significant trauma and fear, often remaining unable to speak out due to social stigma and a pervasive culture of silence that allows perpetrators to evade justice.

Specific accounts detail incidents involving young girls, such as a 10-year-old who was attacked while performing chores in a nearby bush, and a 15-year-old who was ambushed while returning from delivering a message. Families have reported that while physical wounds may heal, the emotional scars and the fear of stigmatization prevent many victims from seeking help or identifying their attackers.