30 kids saved from illegal orphanage in Kwara

Thirty children have been saved from an illegal orphanage in Ilorin, Kwara State.

The state government announced that the children were found at Iranlowo Oluwa Orphanage and Children’s Home in Ilorin. They are now getting post-rescue assessment and rehabilitation after their rescue.

The Ministry of Social Development carried out the rescue after community members raised alarms about the living conditions of the children at the orphanage.

These children, boys and girls aged between two and 15, have been moved to a facility supervised by the ministry.

Some of the children rescued from Iranlowo Oluwa Orphanage and Children’s Home, Odota, Ilorin.

On Friday, the Commissioner for Social Development, Mariam Imam, spoke about the intervention. She said they are assessing the children's immediate needs, health, and education.

Mrs Imam mentioned that the ministry is also working on tracing families to reunite the children where possible.

For children who cannot go back to their families, the ministry will look for placement in approved care facilities.

The commissioner also ordered that all orphanages, children’s homes, and child-care institutions in Kwara State must register with the ministry.

Hamzat Abdulfatah, the Director of Social Work at the ministry, was involved in the rescue. He said the operation has improved teamwork among all stakeholders.

"We now understand that if we manage this process properly and follow due process, these children will have the opportunity to live better and more fulfilled lives."