Elochukwu Benjamin
Awka
The Social and Integral Development Centre (SIDEC) has called for a thorough investigation and justice for four children rescued in an alleged sexual abuse case in Onitsha, Anambra State, urging authorities to strengthen child protection measures against exploitation, especially on digital platforms.
The organisation made the call in a statement issued in Awka by its Executive Director, Ugochi Ehiahuruike, following the circulation of a disturbing video on social media and the arrest of a 36-year-old woman by the Anambra State Police Command.
Police had earlier confirmed the rescue of four children aged two, three, six and nine, and said items considered relevant to the investigation were recovered.
The suspect’s husband is also being questioned as investigators seek to determine whether other persons were involved in the alleged abuse.
Describing the incident as deeply disturbing, SIDEC stressed that every child has the right to safety, dignity, protection and care, and urged law enforcement agencies to conduct a thorough, impartial and child-sensitive investigation.
The organisation said anyone found culpable should be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
It also called for the rescued children to be provided with a safe and supportive environment, as well as access to medical care, psychosocial support and legal assistance to aid their recovery.
SIDEC emphasised that the children’s identities and privacy must be protected throughout the investigation and any subsequent court proceedings.
The group further warned that circulating, reposting or downloading materials depicting or allegedly depicting child sexual abuse could further traumatise victims and worsen the harm already suffered.
Instead, it urged members of the public to report such materials to relevant authorities and digital platforms rather than share them online.
Calling for a coordinated response, SIDEC said the police, child protection authorities, social workers, health professionals and other stakeholders must work together to ensure that the best interests of the children remain central to the investigation and any legal process.
The organisation also expressed concern over the growing use of digital platforms to facilitate the exploitation of children, insisting that technology should not become a tool for abuse, humiliation or retraumatisation.
It urged parents, guardians, schools, religious institutions, community leaders and civil society organisations to strengthen child-safeguarding measures and create safe spaces where children can report abuse without fear.
SIDEC commended security personnel and members of the public whose intervention contributed to the children’s rescue, while reaffirming its commitment to strengthening child protection systems, promoting accountability for offenders and raising public awareness on preventing child abuse and sexual exploitation.
