Commissioner for Youth and Social Development Releases Disturbing Statistics of Rape, violence and Others

During a press briefing in Ikeja on Tuesday, the Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mrs Uzamat Akinbile-Yussuf gave very disturbing statistics that no fewer than 150 females were raped, 382 cases of domestic violence reported, 634 juvenile cases treated and 31 babies comprising 19 females and 12 males were abandoned on the streets of Lagos in the last one year.

She made it known that the 150 reported cases of sexual and physical abuse were officially recorded with 85 suspected rapists and paedophiles charged to court while the cases were still pending. Five pregnant schoolchildren were assisted to access adequate antenatal and delivery services and were also integrated back into school.

“Also, a total of 57,350 schoolchildren benefitted from individual and group counselling sessions to curb truancy, gangsterism and other social vices. About 150 reported cases of sexual abuse and physical abuse were treated. Five pregnant schoolchildren were assisted to access adequate antenatal and delivery services. They were also integrated back into school,” she said.

Going further, Mrs Akinbile-Yussuf added that, “The Child Protection Unit is responsible for the rescue and referral of all abandoned babies and children in the state to orphanages and homes. It also carries out child audit on the registered orphanages to decongest the homes and discourage institutionalisation. A total of 31 babies —19 females and 12 males — were rescued during the period under review.”

She spoke on the government’s efforts at cleaning up the streets as 1,340 beggars, the destitute and the mentally-challenged off the streets and 590 rehabilitees released and re-united with their relations for re-integration. 74 babies were also released for adoption, while 81 adoptions were legalised through the family courts.

“The state government provides medical and vocational facilities to help in turning the lives of beggars around. About 147 rehabilitees are currently undergoing vocational training at the Lagos State Rehabilitation and Training Centre, Majidun,” she said.

The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs Lola Akande, also speaking said her ministry in the last one year treated about 589 cases ranging from sexual abuse, physical abuse and child labour cases. She enjoined every member of the society’s cooperation in providing useful information on vices like suspected illegal baby factory and also reporting cases of sexual violence against women and men.

She said the ministry also received 382 cases of domestic violence out of which 234 were successfully treated, which among others include physical and emotional pains, harm, injury, humiliation and degradation, permanent and partial disability, separation, divorce and needless loss of lives.

Source: Punch