BY JUMAI NWACHUKWU
Child rights advocates, legal practitioners, and other stakeholders have appealed to the Delta State government to take steps to establish specialized courts to handle cases of child abuse and defilement.
They also called on the government to provide psychological support for victims, as they raised concerns over the alarming increase in cases of child defilement..
This was said during a two-day workshop organized by CLEEN Foundation, in partnership with the MacArthur Foundation, various organizations like Child Rights Advocates, legal practitioners, and others, expressed deep concern over what they described as a disturbing trend of sexual abuse against minors, while decrying the failure of the justice system and weak enforcement of child protection laws as contributing factors to the escalating crisis.
“We are witnessing an unprecedented surge in cases of child defilement. The rate is becoming unbearable, and it is heart-breaking”, said Mrs. Linda Okon, the Chairperson of the Delta State Child Rights Advocacy Group. She urged the government to strengthen policies that protect children and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice.
Also speaking at the event, the Attorney-General of the State, Mr. Ekemejero Ohwovoriole (SAN), represented by an Assistant Director, Mrs. Dumebi Unuareokpa, lamented how perpetrators of such crimes go unpunished due to uncompleted investigation and sometimes, the refusal of guardians of the minors to pursue the cases.
He cited cases where minors were sexually abused, with many of the perpetrators going unpunished due to delayed or incomplete investigations. “These children deserve justice, and it is painful to see that many cases are either swept under the rug or dragged on for years without resolution,” he added.
Legal experts at the forum highlighted loopholes in the legal process, noting that weak prosecution and cultural stigmas often prevent families from reporting cases. They emphasized the need for better legal framework and quicker responses by law enforcement. “Perpetrators should be punished swiftly to deter others from committing such heinous crimes,” he stated.
In response, the Executive Director ofCLEEN Foundation Mr. Peter Gad represented by Mr. Nnamdi Odo, the programme officer, emphasized that the workshop dialogue focuses on three fundamental pillars: gender, accountability, and transparency.
According to him, gender equality in criminal justice is not just a matter of fairness but also essential for the credibility and effectiveness of the system.
The director noted that women and individuals from marginalized genders often face unique challenges and biases within the criminal justice process, adding that addressing the issues remains critical to achieving a truly just system.
“Accountability within the criminal justice system ensures that those who enforce the law are held to the highest standards, as it fosters a culture of integrity and trust, both among the practitioners and the public they serve.” He said.
He called for a collective effort to protect the most vulnerable in society, and while urging parents, schools, religious institutions, and communities to remain vigilant and report suspected cases immediately to the appropriate authorities.
