Edo State Government Addresses Child Abuse Cases Involving Fathers and Daughters

The Edo State Government is currently handling over 72 child abuse cases. Most of these cases of sexual abuse involve fathers and their young daughters.

Eugenia Abdallah, the State commissioner for women affairs and social development, shared this information during a news conference on Thursday in Benin. She detailed the ministry's activities from October 2025 to August 2026.

Ms Abdallah explained that the ministry is focusing on helping the victims while also working to prosecute those who offend. "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."

She added, "We provided protective medical and psychosocial support, while the cases were referred for investigation and prosecution."

The commissioner mentioned that the ministry has set up a Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SAC) in Uromi, Edo Central. This was done in partnership with the International Organisation for Migration.

She also noted that they are working on establishing another centre in Auchi. This effort aims to ensure that all three senatorial districts in the state have a SAC centre.

To tackle technology-facilitated abuse, Ms Abdallah stated that the ministry held awareness campaigns on cyberbullying, online harassment, and digital exploitation. This led to the validation of the Technology-Facilitated GBV Policy Framework in June 2026.

On the topic of child welfare, she said the ministry launched a digital case management system. This system aims to improve how they document, track, and monitor children in orphanages.

"The 2026 Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy was also reviewed to address online exploitation, AI risks and institutional abuse."

After an incident at Igbinedion Primary and Secondary School, the Child Rights Implementation Committee created a work plan and formed a school monitoring subcommittee.

In April 2026, the ministry shut down an alleged illegal children’s home in Owan East Local Government. The operator was handed over to law enforcement.

The ministry also rescued a newborn in Ubiaja and reunited three children with their families, according to Ms Abdallah.

When discussing women empowerment and health, she mentioned that 171 women from the three senatorial districts received training in business and digital marketing. Each woman received a grant of N100,000 to boost their businesses.

"A three-day women’s mini trade fair was also held during the 2026 International Women’s Day."

In collaboration with the Office of the Governor’s Wife, the ministry organized a health, fitness and wellness program at Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin. They also educated secondary school girls on menstrual hygiene and distributed sanitary pads.

The ministry expanded community sensitization through schools, religious and traditional institutions to raise awareness about women’s legal rights and GBV reporting pathways.

In May 2026, the ministry started a structured mental health rescue program. Ms Abdallah mentioned the case of Peter Mugabedia, a returnee from America who was found on the streets. He received treatment at the neuropsychiatric hospital and was reunited with his family.

Others reunited included Evu Egosa, Cecilia Opara, and some Togolese nationals.

The commissioner said facilities, including those in Ewu, were inspected to ensure they meet acceptable standards before admitting vulnerable persons.

She also mentioned that the state's technical committee on female genital mutilation was sworn in March 2026 to strengthen the fight against the practice.

The ministry supported efforts against drug abuse, including prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation. No fewer than 80 beneficiaries completed vocational training in areas like hairdressing, wig making, barbeque, pastries, and coffee and tea production. They received certification and start-up support.

Ms Abdallah noted that the ministry hosted the 25th National Council on Women’s Affairs and Social Development. They also strengthened partnerships with IOM, UNICEF, GIZ, and other stakeholders.

She expressed gratitude to Governor Monday Okpebholo and the Office of the Governor’s Wife for their support. "Under the SHINE Agenda, the ministry remains committed to protecting children, empowering women, supporting vulnerable persons, strengthening families, promoting dignity and inclusion, and ensuring that no one is left behind," she said.