The Edo State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development says it has recorded more than 72 cases of abuse involving minors since January 2026, with more than half of the cases allegedly involving fathers.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Eugenia Abdallah, disclosed this during a press briefing on the activities of the ministry in Benin City.
Abdallah said the cases involve children between two and 10 years old, with some of the reported incidents occurring within the family.
She expressed particular concern over cases in which children are allegedly abused by people they depend on for care and protection.
The Commissioner gave the example of a 14-year-old girl currently under the ministry’s care who was allegedly impregnated by her father.
According to Abdallah, the girl is now eight months pregnant, while the case was brought to the attention of authorities by a neighbour.
She said the case also highlights one of the major challenges authorities face in dealing with child abuse; the reluctance of some victims to support prosecution when the alleged perpetrator is a close family member.
“Unfortunately, when we get them and want to prosecute the case, many of them will cry and beg on their father’s behalf,” Abdallah said.
She said the 14-year-old girl, despite the allegation against her father, pleaded with officials not to arrest him.
“She started begging, saying she loves her father and that we should not arrest him,” the Commissioner said.
Abdallah said the situation underscores the need for parents, neighbours and members of the public to pay greater attention to the welfare of children and report suspected cases of abuse to the appropriate authorities.
Ministry expands support for vulnerable persons
The Commissioner also highlighted other interventions by the ministry aimed at supporting women, children and vulnerable persons across Edo State.
She said the ministry had successfully hosted its 25th Ministry of Women Affairs Conference and commissioned a referral centre in Uromi to improve access to support services.
According to her, another referral centre is also expected to be launched in Auchi.
Abdallah further disclosed that the ministry had created a digital platform to strengthen efforts against gender-based violence and improve access to reporting and intervention.
176 women receive N100,000 support
As part of its women empowerment initiatives, the Commissioner said more than 176 women across the state had received ₦100,000 each as allowances or trading capital.
She said the intervention was aimed at supporting the beneficiaries’ businesses, strengthening their livelihoods and improving their economic stability.
The ministry, she added, had also organised health and fitness awareness programmes as part of efforts to promote the wellbeing of women across the state.
Abdallah reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to protecting vulnerable children and women, while urging residents to promptly report cases of abuse to the relevant authorities.