Federal Government Vows Prosecution in Port Harcourt Child Abuse Case
The Federal Government has issued a strong condemnation of the "barbaric" treatment of children in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, and has pledged to ensure that those responsible are prosecuted under the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act.
The government's response follows the viral spread of a distressing video showing several children, who were unclad, being severely whipped. The incident allegedly occurred during a "spiritual cleansing" ritual at Our Lord Victory Covenant Mission Church. The pastor, Ifediorah Onyeibor Joseph, and four other church members have since been arrested by the Rivers State Police Command.
In a statement, the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, described the act as "criminal and a gross violation of the Child Rights Act." She stressed that all individuals involved—including parents or guardians who may have condoned the abuse—will be held accountable. The Minister also commended the swift actions of the Nigeria Police Force and the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for their role in rescuing the children.
The rescued children have been placed in protective custody and are receiving comprehensive care and support. The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to protecting every Nigerian child from abuse, neglect, and exploitation as a core part of President Bola Tinubu's "Renewed Hope Agenda."
