Lagos rescues teenager from sexual abuse

Officials of the Child Protection Unit of Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development have rescued a 14-year-old girl identified simply as Favour from sexual abuse in the hands of her Uncle.

A statement signed by the Head of Public Affairs of the ministry, Mrs Olabisi Adeola said the teenager was rescued at Shasha- Akowonjo in Alimosho Local Government Area.

Her rescued came as a result of reports from an anonymous source who informed the Child Protection Unit’s hotline to inform government on illicit acts observed at Block 2, Flat 9, Millennium Estate, Afonka, Shasha where Favour resides with her cousin, Mrs. Eze Kelechi and the younger brother to Eze’s husband, Nelson.

Favour said she had been subjected to series of sexual abuse by Nelson since Eze had accommodation issues after she separated with her husband in December 2015 and chose the option of moving into a two bedroom apartment occupied by Nelson, pending the time she will resolve issues on accommodation.

She said the first time she was abused was in October 2015, when Nelson pushed her to the bed, while she struggled with him, but her strength was never a match to that of Nelson, who warned her never to report the incident to Eze (her cousin).

The statement reads: ‘’Subsequently, Nelson continued the act as he was enjoying it, to the extent that he drugs drinks for her and Eze’s children to fall asleep. At times, she would wake up to find herself naked without knowing what transpired.

‘’The indecent act continued till June 2017 she discovered a stop in her monthly flow and reported to Nelson who did not deny being responsible. He decided to get drugs to abort the pregnancy, but was prevented following a scan that revealed she was three months pregnant.

‘’The matter was later reported to the Shasha Police Division, where the case was interrupted due to family pressure, mandating Nelson to take full responsibility and custody of Favour. These did not stop Nelson from further having sex with her, claiming the intercourse is on the basis of helping her enlarge her pelvic during labour.’’

The Lagos State Government has taken custody of the girl for protection and care pending conclusion of investigations ongoing by the police and the state government.

It will be recalled that earlier this year, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth and Social Development, Mr. Hakeem Muri-Okunola had warned that perpetrators of child abuse of any kind will not be spared but severely punished.