Women Affairs Ministry Warns Nigerians Against Sharing Child Abuse Videos

The Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development has condemned the alleged abuse of children in Abia and Anambra States, warning Nigerians against downloading, reposting or circulating videos depicting abused children.

The Ministry said the warning followed reports of the alleged brutal abuse of 12-year-old Ugonna Uzoma in Aba, Abia State, reportedly by his father, as well as a separate case in Onitsha, Anambra State, involving a mother allegedly abusing her daughters.

In a statement signed by its Head of Press and Public Relations, Ahmed Lawan Danbazau, the Ministry said parental authority must never be used to violate a child’s dignity, bodily integrity or fundamental rights.

It commended the Nigeria Police Force and the Abia State Ministry of Women Affairs for their intervention in the Aba case, including the arrest of the alleged perpetrator and placement of the child under protective care.

The Ministry also praised the Anambra State Police Command, state Ministry of Women Affairs, FIDA and other stakeholders for their response to the Onitsha case, including the arrest of the alleged perpetrator and rescue of the children.

The Ministry said abuse did not become less serious because it was recorded or shared online, stressing that the circulation of such material could further violate the children’s privacy and dignity and deepen their trauma.

It urged members of the public who encounter such material to preserve relevant information securely, avoid sharing it and immediately report it to law-enforcement, child-protection or social-welfare authorities.

The Ministry further reminded Nigerians that the Child Rights Act 2003 and the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act 2015 provide legal frameworks for protecting children from abuse, exploitation, torture and other forms of violence.

“Reporting suspected abuse is an act of protection; making abusive material viral is not,” the Ministry said.

It called on parents, caregivers, schools, communities, religious and traditional institutions, media organisations and technology platforms to play their part in protecting children and preventing further harm.

The Ministry said it would continue working with state governments, security agencies, the judiciary, NAPTIP, FIDA, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to strengthen child protection, reporting, survivor support and accountability.

It also stressed that violence against children must not be normalised because it occurs within the family, is presented as discipline or is amplified online.

The Ministry said every credible report of abuse deserved an appropriate response, while efforts to raise awareness must not expose victims to further humiliation or trauma.

The Federal Ministry of Women Affairs’ mandate includes coordinating programmes for children’s welfare, protection and development, as well as advocating for the protection of children’s rights.