By Osayi Aghahowa
She disclosed the statistic while providing an update on the case of a 14-year-old girl from Irrua, Esan Central Local Government Area, who recently delivered a stillborn baby.
The commissioner said the girl, whose identity is being withheld, was allegedly impregnated by her father and was currently recovering at a health facility.
She said the Edo Government was providing the girl with medical attention, psychological counselling and psychosocial support, while making arrangements for her continued education and vocational training.
According to Abdallah, the measures were aimed at helping the girl recover from the trauma, restore her wellbeing and provide opportunities for her future development.
She said the girl’s mother had died, after which her father allegedly instructed her to assume the responsibilities previously performed by her mother.
Abdallah said the man subsequently impregnated the girl and had earlier allegedly forced her to undergo two abortions before government intervention in the case.
She explained that prolonged grooming and emotional manipulation allegedly made the girl defend her father when officials intervened, even pleading with them not to arrest him.
The commissioner said the suspect fled after learning of the government’s intervention and remained at large, adding that efforts were ongoing to locate and apprehend him.
Abdallah emphasised the need to protect people who report child abuse, saying fear of retaliation or threats to personal safety could discourage victims and witnesses from speaking out.
She assured members of the public that persons reporting child abuse would be protected and their identities kept confidential to encourage prompt reporting and intervention.
The commissioner said other alleged perpetrators of child abuse handled by the ministry included neighbours, teachers, uncles and brothers, highlighting the need for increased vigilance.
She called for stronger child protection measures in communities, urging parents, teachers, religious leaders and other stakeholders to pay closer attention to children and report suspicious behaviour.
Abdallah highlighted the role of schools in preventing child abuse and gender-based violence, urging teachers to educate children about personal safety, boundaries and inappropriate behaviour.
She said the State Gender-Based Violence Clubs and Child Rights Implementation Committees were operating in schools to promote awareness and encourage children to speak up about abuse.
The commissioner said the ministry also conducted sensitisation programmes every three weeks across markets, rural communities and faith-based organisations to raise awareness and reduce stigma.
She added that the ministry worked with the Sexual Assault Referral Centre, police and specialised Family and Magistrate Courts in handling sexual and gender-based violence cases.
According to Abdallah, convictions secured in gender-based violence cases in the state attracted sentences ranging from 14 to 21 years’ imprisonment, including life imprisonment.
She urged parents, teachers, community leaders and other stakeholders to remain vigilant and promptly report suspected child abuse cases to relevant authorities for intervention and protection.
NAN reports that the Edo Government had earlier raised concern over incestuous child abuse during a bi-monthly briefing organised by the Ministry of Information and Strategy.
At the briefing, Abdallah disclosed the case of the 14-year-old girl, who was then eight months pregnant after allegedly being impregnated by her father.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)