The Federal Government has expressed strong condemnation of a viral video showing a cleric violently flogging a group of minors at his church in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The footage, which has sparked nationwide outrage, prompted immediate intervention from law enforcement and child protection agencies.
In a press statement released on Saturday, Jonathan Eze, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Honourable Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, conveyed the Minister’s firm stance on the matter.
Minister Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim emphasised that the federal government will not tolerate any form of abuse, particularly those targeting vulnerable children.
“Whether perpetrated by strangers, community leaders, or even parents, any individual or group found culpable of such heinous acts will be held accountable under the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act,” the Minister stressed.
“This includes any parent or guardian who aided, condoned, or ignored the abuse.”
Minister Sulaiman-Ibrahim commended the Nigeria Police Force, particularly the Rivers State Command, for their rapid response to the incident.
She also praised the Director-General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Hajiya Binta Bello, for deploying her team promptly to rescue the affected children and ensure their safety.
The Minister further acknowledged the crucial role of vigilant citizens who recorded and exposed the abuse, saying, “their courage embodies the spirit of our ‘See Something, Say Something, We Will Do Something’ campaign.”
She, however, advised the public that such cases should be reported directly to law enforcement agencies such as the Police or NAPTIP to facilitate immediate intervention, while safeguarding the privacy and protection of the victims.
According to the statement, the rescued children are currently under protective custody and are receiving comprehensive medical and psychosocial support.
Their care is being provided in line with the Child Rights Act, which has been domesticated across all 36 states of the Federation, ensuring legal protection and support services for abused children.
IREPORT247NEWS reported that Pastor Ifediorah had reportedly organized a three-day program for children in his church, which he described as a divinely inspired activity aimed at “spiritual cleaning.”
The program, however, took a violent turn, prompting swift action from authorities.
SP Grace Iringe-Koko, the Rivers State Police spokesperson, confirmed the arrest of the pastor and several church members to journalists, providing details of the preliminary investigation.
She explained that upon receiving intelligence about the program, operatives from the Rivers State Police Command acted decisively to apprehend the suspects and secure the children.
The Federal Government reiterated its commitment to protecting children from abuse in any form, underscoring that anyone found engaging in such acts—whether directly or indirectly—will face the full weight of the law.
The incident has also highlighted the importance of public vigilance, prompt reporting of abuse, and collaboration between citizens and law enforcement in safeguarding children’s rights.