The Enugu State Ministry of Children, Gender Affairs and Social Development has saved a 16-year-old girl who was sent away from her Nenwe Community in Enugu State. This happened because of claims that her father got her pregnant.
Nenwe is in the Aninri Local Government Area of Enugu State.
The girl, whose name is not given, was sent out of the community with her father on Thursday.
PREMIUM TIMES got video clips shared on Facebook. These clips show some angry residents warning the girl and her father never to come back.
The crowd led them to the exit of the town. People were heard shouting curses at them. The duo was covered in palm fronds, which is a sign of abomination in Igbo culture.
An elderly person in one of the videos told the girl and her father that the community was sending them away because of what they allegedly did.
"Nenwe did not offend you. You were the ones who offended yourselves and defiled our land.
"We are not happy that we are banishing you from Nenwe. We’re doing this because you have defiled the land with the abomination you committed," the resident said in Igbo.
This incident has caused many reactions in Enugu State since Thursday.
Many Nigerians say that while incest is a taboo in most African societies, sending people away is an old practice that should not continue.
The Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs and Social Development in Enugu State, Ngozi Enih, said her ministry has rescued the girl and placed her in a safe place.
Mrs Enih shared a statement on her Facebook page on Saturday. She explained that the ministry got involved after public outcry about the banishment.
The commissioner said the girl was allegedly raped by her father.
"Under the leadership of Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, the Enugu State Government is committed to protecting vulnerable children. We will uphold their rights and ensure that survivors of abuse get the care they need," she said.
The commissioner assured Nigerians that the survivor’s health, emotional well-being, and overall welfare would be the top priority.
She added that the girl would get the right psychosocial support to help her heal from the trauma she suffered.
Mrs Enih stressed that no child should ever be blamed or punished for being a victim of sexual abuse.
"Every child deserves protection, dignity, compassion, and justice," she stated.
Mrs Enih said efforts to catch the father, who is currently on the run, are ongoing.
The commissioner said the ministry will work with the relevant authorities to ensure that the suspect is brought to justice.
She thanked the public for raising the alarm and bringing the issue to the government's attention.
"Your voices matter, and together, we can create a society where every child is safe, valued, and protected," she said.
"The Enugu State Government, under the leadership of Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, will keep strengthening child protection systems to ensure that no vulnerable child is left behind," she added.
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