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The Edo State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development has intervened in the case of two sisters who allegedly suffered prolonged sexual abuse, as the state government intensifies efforts to strengthen child protection and safeguard vulnerable children.
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The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Eugenia Abdallah, disclosed this on Thursday in Benin City during a press briefing on the activities, interventions and achievements of the ministry between October 2025 and August 2026.
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Abdallah said the ministry supported the referral of the sisters’ case to the appropriate investigative and prosecuting authorities, stressing that the protection and best interests of children remained paramount.
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She also disclosed that the ministry intervened in the case of an 11-year-old girl allegedly subjected to severe abuse in August 2026.
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According to her, the girl was placed under protective care and provided with medical and psychosocial support, while law-enforcement authorities continued investigation and prosecution of the suspects.
“The interventions are part of a broader effort by the ministry to strengthen child protection systems and ensure that children facing abuse, exploitation or neglect receive timely protection and support,” the Commissioner stated.
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‎She further disclosed that the ministry had coordinated the review and stakeholder validation of the 2026 Edo State Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy.
‎According to her, the revised policy
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‎Abdallah addresses emerging threats to children, including online exploitation, social media-related risks, digital technologies, artificial intelligence and institutional abuse.
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‎She added that the State Child Rights Implementation Committee had adopted an implementation work plan and established a School Monitoring Sub-Committee to strengthen oversight of child-protection standards in schools.