Child rights group raises concern over illegal adoption, trafficking

The Child Protection Network Nigeria reported receiving at least 36 cases of child abuse in a short period, including physical abuse, neglect, trafficking, sexual abuse and illegal adoption. The organization's National Coordinator, Olakunle Sanni, made these allegations during a press briefing in Abuja. Sanni emphasized that the cases highlighted the broader issues facing children in Nigeria, such as sexual abuse, trafficking, abduction, physical violence, neglect, poverty, homelessness, hunger, exclusion from education and inadequate healthcare.

He acknowledged the efforts of federal, state and local governments in various sectors but stressed that millions of children remained vulnerable. Sanni highlighted sexual abuse as particularly disturbing, as children can be abused in homes, schools, religious institutions and other safe environments. He called for stronger enforcement of child-protection laws, faster investigations and prosecutions, as well as improved access to medical, legal and psychosocial support for survivors.

Sanni also condemned physical abuse and illegal adoption, urging a coordinated national response to address these interconnected challenges.