Stakeholders Seek Stronger Child Rights Protection Against Sexual Abuse of Minors

From Paul Orude, Bauchi

Stakeholders have called for stronger child protection measures to address rising cases of child sexual abuse in Adamawa, Bauchi, and Gombe states.

The concern was raised during a one-day roundtable and media advocacy meeting on child rights violations and sexual violence against children in the three states held in Gombe.

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Dr Rafique speaking during the roundtable

The meeting, organised by United Nations Children’s Fund brought together journalists, traditional rulers, security agencies, social workers, legal practitioners, medical and civil society organisations.

In a welcome remark, UNICEF Chief of Bauchi Field Office, Dr Nuzhat Rafique, described sexual violence against children as a grave violation of child rights, lamenting that many cases remain unreported due to stigma, fear, and poor awareness of available support services.

Stressing that children must be protected from abuse, assault, and exploitation, Dr Rafique said cases involving infants, toddlers, adolescents, and other vulnerable persons were deeply troubling, noting that many victims are unable to speak for themselves or seek protection.

She urged. journalists to help break the silence by creating awareness and amplifying the voices of abused children, adding that the media remains a strong force for social change.

The UNICEF official also called on traditional rulers, government officials, community leaders, parents, and households to work together to safeguard children and ensure their rights are protected.

Presenting data from the Child Protection Information Management System (CPIM), UNICEF Child Protection Specialist, Ladi Alabi, disclosed that 293 cases of sexual abuse were reported across Adamawa, Bauchi, and Gombe states, with Gombe accounting for 191 cases, representing 65 per cent of the total.

The report showed that 244 cases were recorded in 2025, the highest in the review period. It further revealed that Gombe LGA recorded 144 cases, followed by Akko with 35, while Bauchi LGA accounted for 20 of the 25 reported cases in the state.

Alabi noted that children under 18 accounted for more than 90 per cent of victims across the three states, with girls forming the majority.

She recommended stronger child protection systems, sustained monitoring, targeted interventions in hotspot areas, and improved data collection for planning and prevention.

Participants emphasised zero tolerance for sexual assault and violence against children, stressing that communities must break the silence and end stigma so survivors can report abuse without fear.

They also emphasised the importance of timely reporting and coordinated response systems that ensure survivors access services while guaranteeing justice.