Child abuse: Plateau to partner NGOs, CSOs to check trend
NAN-H-62
Abuse
By Martha Agas
Jos, Feb. 22, 2017(NAN) Worried by the rising cases of abduction and battery of children, the Plateau government says it is partnering with NGOs and Civil Society Organisation (CSOs) to tackle the trends.
Mrs. Rufina Gurumyen, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, who disclosed this on Wednesday in Jos, particularly regretted that minors were being assaulted by even their parents.
“A father was arrested for assaulting his children, aged six and eight years; he had consistently used electric cable wires to slash their backs and the police had to intervene,” she said.
The commissioner spoke during a courtesy visit by members of the Observatory Steering Committee (OBSTEC).
The committee is saddled with receiving reports, making referrals and responding to incidences of violence against women and children.
Gurumyen said that the partnership with NGOs and CSOs would augment and complement government efforts toward curbing the menace and prosecuting culprits to deter others.
She urged the NGOs to provide information to the ministry to make for collective efforts that would ensure the right results.
The commissioner commended the NGOs for supporting the efforts that led to the release of the 165 children abducted from Bauchi State, and disclosed that the minors had been handed over to their parents.
“The Bauchi government has written to thank us and also confirm that the children have been re-united with their parents.
“In the case of Mr Christopher Sule, who battered his children, it seems he does not have any psychiatric situation.
“We hope to have more interactions with the man and his wife in the course of our investigation, before making our recommendations,” she said.
In her remarks, Mrs. Comfort Zawaya, OBSTEC Secretary in Plateau, said that the platform comprised of 25 state and non-state actors from civil societies, the police, media, and the judiciary.
“Our sole duty is to engage those involved in violence against women and children, and proffer possible solutions,” she said.
She disclosed that OBSTEC receives cases of violence against women and girls “everyday”, stressing that the data was being used to influence policies on the rights of women and children.
“In the case of Sule and his family, we recommended constructive reformation for all parties involved in the child battering saga, especially the father.
“The children were crying when they heard that their father may go to prison; it means that they love and need him but do not like the act of the beating. He should be reformed and not punished,’’ she said. (NAN)
MAA/ETS
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Edited by Ephraims Sheyin