CHILD ABUSE: NGO Drags Housewife To Police

By Edith Obioma

The Nigeria Police, Shogunle  division has invited Mrs. Chinyere Opara to respond to allegations of domestic violence levelled against her by a non-governmental organisation, Child Protection Network, based in Oshodi.

The NGO had brought the alleged victim, Miss Chisom Amadekwa to the station to support the allegation.

Mrs. Chinyere Opara is the guardian to Chisom Amadekwa , a primary III pupil of Temidere school Shogunle Oshodi allegedly subjected to  starvation, domestic violence and prevented from attending school throughout the third term.

In addition, the girl was allegedly subjected to baby sitting for a relative who had a baby recently when she ought to be in school.

The NGO wants the police to apply the Lagos State Child Right s Law to prosecute the case.

A source at the guardian and counselling unit of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) Oshodi- Isolo said one of the allegations is that Mrs. Okpara made Chisom to sleep outside for three days.

The source said when Chisom was served rice and stew in SUBEB  office, she separated
the rice from the stew before eating which gave the impression that she might be suffering from ulcer.

At the police station, Mrs. Chinyere was released, reason being that she has little children to cater for and she was made to sign an undertaking before taking the girl back in her custody.

The ideas of placing the abused child back to where she was initially abused was opposed by  CPN coordinator, Mr. Ebenezer who said that it will have adverse effect on the child.

When this was communicated to the education  secretary ES , he agreed and advised the police to seek another option.