By Uzair Adam
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has expressed concern over the persistent level of violence against children in Nigeria, citing new studies that indicate the situation remains alarming.
UNICEF’s Child Protection Manager in Nigeria, Mona Aika, made this known during the opening of a two-day forum on ending violence against children, held in Abuja on Monday.
She revealed that about 6 out of 10 children in Nigeria experience physical, sexual, or emotional violence before the age of 18, while only 5 percent of reported cases receive the necessary support and services.
Aika emphasized that Nigeria is making efforts to address the issue through the INSPIRE framework, which includes enforcing laws, eliminating harmful social norms like gender discrimination, female genital mutilation, and child marriage, and creating safer environments for children.
The Solicitor-General of the Federation, Beatrice Jeddy-Agba, echoed these sentiments, stressing that a comprehensive approach involving all stakeholders is necessary to combat violence against children.
She reiterated the Ministry of Justice’s commitment to prosecuting cases of violence, including crimes against girls who were affected by Boko Haram.
Leticia Ayoola-Daniels, Director of the Administration of Criminal Justice and Reform Department, described the forum as a preparatory step ahead of the global summit in Bogota, Colombia.
She highlighted the determination to shift from merely discussing the issue to taking concrete actions to protect children.
The stakeholders’ forum marks another step in Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to confront and reduce violence against its children.