The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Eugenia Abdallah said the Edo State government is working tirelessly to fight child sexual abuse and defilement across Edo State.
Speaking to journalists in Benin City on the activities of her ministry, Abdalla said 50 percent of the abuse and defilement was carried out by the victim’s fathers which is very worrisome.
She noted that from January 2026 till date, a total of 72 cases have been recorded in Edo State as the minor are being abused by their fathers but however frowned at the act stressing that the state governments and the ministry was placing keen attention on the rehabilitation of victims while pursuing the prosecution of offenders.
Abdallah disclosed that one of the victims currently under the state’s care is a 14-year-old girl who is eight months pregnant after allegedly being sexually abused by her father, adding that the case was brought to the attention of the ministry by a neighbour.
According to the commissioner, the girl initially claimed that her father was dead and pleaded with authorities not to arrest him, despite being the only person capable of providing information about his whereabouts.
“In response to child abuse and sexual exploitation, the ministry responded to serious cases, including allegations involving two sisters and an 11-year-old girl.
“We provided protective medical and psychosocial support while the cases were referred for investigation and prosecution,” she said.
Abdallah reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to protecting vulnerable citizens and ensuring that survivors of abuse receive appropriate support.
She said the government would continue to strengthen social-protection initiatives, empower women economically and ensure that interventions for vulnerable groups produce measurable results.
On the fight against gender-based violence, Abdallah said the ministry had strengthened survivor-centred services through the commissioning and operation of the Sexual Assault Referral Centre in Uromi, while efforts were ongoing to establish another centre in Auchi.
“The ministry commissioned sexual assault center in Uromi in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) while work continues towards establishing another center in Auchi. So far we have two center in Edo State, one in Edo South and the other in Edo Central while that of Edo North in work in progress”.
