According to the Oyo State Ministry of Women Affairs, at least 10 girls are sexually abused every single day in Oyo State.
This was announced by Lateef Oyediji, the Ministry’s Director of Child Welfare, during a Saturday advocacy event in Ibadan to commemorate the International Day of the Girl Child in 2022.
The event was sponsored by the Ford Foundation and organised by the Cedars For Human Welfare Initiative (CEHUWEI) in partnership with the Development Research Project Center (DRPC).
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According to Mr. Oyediji, the ministry receives at least 10 reports of sexual assault against girls every day. He also added that the ministry was unhappy with the ways in which girls were being abused in the state.
He added that individuals responsible for such heinous behaviour would not get off lightly and would have to deal with the full force of the law.
Mr. Oyediji demanded further assistance from law enforcement officials and other crucial parties in finding individuals responsible for the heinous crime.
There is a need for a comprehensive strategy if we take a closer look at what is happening to girl children in Oyo State.
“And for all relevant parties to take action to defend our girls, as the current structure of society is hostile to a girl child’s proper upbringing.
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What astounds us is that some homes or orphanage facilities with male caregivers are abusing these girls. Cases of this have been reported to our office, and legal action will be taken against them, he said.
He identified several variables that contribute to the sexual exploitation of girls and women, including unemployment, economic difficulties, street hawking, family conflict, and a lack of sufficient care and protection from parents as a result of the economy’s instability.
