The Child Protection Network (CPN), a Civil Society Organisation (CSO), has described the investigation of sodomy, cannibalism, and substance abuse at the school of the deaf in Kuje, by the committee inaugurated by the Minister of education, Mallam Adamu Adamu, as unacceptable.
The CSO which expressed its concern said that the committee dismissed all allegations without proffering lasting solutions that could protect children in residential facilities across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
In a press briefing on Wednesday in Abuja, the Coordinator of CPN, FCT Chapter, Mr. Olorunfemi Olusegun, said that “The committee inaugurated by the Honorable Minister of Education in its report published in the Vanguards News Papers of the 27th March 2019, dismissed all allegations without proffering lasting solutions that could protect children in residential facilities across the FCT.
“Of great concern to us was one of the reasons given by the committee for its conclusion, which was said to be non-appearance of the victim and the petitioner.
“In a case as sensitive and traumatic as this, a victim is within his/or right to choose not to make an appearance.
“Rather than dismissing the allegation, the committee should have probed further to see if there are other evidence to prove these allegations of sexual abuse, cannibalism, sucking of human blood and existence of a cult in Kuje area before coming to their conclusion.”
It would be recalled the earlier in the year, there was tension at the School for the Deaf and Dumb in the Kuje area of the FCT, Abuja, as suspected occultists were said to have invaded the school premises and allegedly molested some pupils.
The story gained public attention when the parent of a six-year-old pupil of the school first raised the alarm after she reportedly noticed signs of abuse on her child.
Olusegun further added: “Rather than dwelling on the implication of the victim going public after they felt justice was coming too slow when the case was initially reported to the school and the ministry of education; this situation should rather be turned positive by strengthening child safeguarding policy in the educational sector especially in boarding houses across the FCT.
“In addition, it is unacceptable that the principles of confidentiality, anonymity, and respect for the dignity of the victims were not upheld.”
He also expressed concerns regarding the demolition of the Divine Wound of Jesus Orphanage Home in Kubwa, saying that the care, protection, and welfare of children.
According to him, “The case of the demolition of the Divine Wound of Jesus Orphanage Home Kubwa, as the children watched is regrettable.
“This action by the Federal Capital Development Authority was insensitive and a breach to the rights of the child especially their right to protection and survival.
“We believe that the abuse of any child under any circumstances is reprehensible and no organization, schools especially, is immune to this scourge.
“Hence, we must do everything within our power to encourage openness and take decisive action that could deter future occurrence.”
CPN therefore urged the government to: Provide robust psychosocial support to the children in both incidents stated above; resuscitate or establish child safeguarding mechanisms in all residential institutions and boarding houses across the FCT; commence the implementation of the National inclusive education policy; evacuate the children at the Divine Wounds of Christ Orphanage by the Social Development Secretariat to a more appropriate and conducive home or shelter, including proper accountability of every child in the home as at the time the orphanage was demolished; and provide adequate funding for the Social development secretariat to be able to provide adequate supervisory support and monitoring of all orphanages including ensuring that they operate within the provisions of the law.
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