The Kwara State government has reaffirmed its zero-tolerance stance on child abuse, gender-based violence, and sexual abuse.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs Opeyemi Afolashade, issued the warning alert during the quarterly inter-ministerial press briefing in Ilorin on Tuesday apart from having two laws that deal with child abuse has also constituted a 21-member committee to monitor and investigate cases of child abuse and gender-based violence in the state”, she said.
Afolashade however cautioned parents and guardians to familiarise themselves with the Child Rights Act and the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law, both of which are designed to safeguard the rights of children and protect against gender-based violence.“These laws are clear on the penalties for anyone who violates the rights of children or engages in gender-based violence, adding that the State Government will not hesitate to ensure that offenders face the full wrath of the law”, she said.
The commissioner said the government, is determined to create a safer environment for children and vulnerable individuals, stressing the importance of community vigilance and cooperation in achieving this goal.
She urged citizens to support the government’s efforts to curb abuse, assuring that all reported cases will be treated with the urgency and seriousness they deserve.
Also presenting her scorecard in the fourth quarter of 2024 to the Media at the briefing, the Commissioner for Social Development, Hon Abosede Buraimoh said that the state government repatriated two mentally derained victims to their state of origin after their treatment at a rehabilitation centre.
The Commissioner who said that the government evacuated the victims from the streets and took them for treatment at the rehabilitation centre in Olorunda, Asa local government area of the state stated that “Two mentally derained women were transported back to their states of origin after treatment and we ensure that they are back to their senses.”