TWO recent incidents involving minors in different parts of the country highlight the dangers faced by young Nigerians against the backdrop of deepening immiseration and moral collapse. Adamu’s incredulous story recalls a similar incident back in 2018 involving 13-year-old Zubair Abubakar, whose arms were amputated by his teacher. In both cases, the relative and the teacher bypassed the law and arrogated to themselves the roles of accuser, judge and amputator. While the ratification of the child protection law in 2022 was a pivotal step, the gap between legislation and its effective enforcement looms large, leaving children at risk and their futures uncertain. In September 2022, the Ebonyi State Police Command arrested Miracle Onwe, a 19- year-old suspected serial rapist who specialised in assaulting and robbing victims, mostly minors.

Source: Nigerian Tribune June 07, 2024 12:03 UTC