Lagos Rescues 57 Victims Of Child Abuse In One Year
By Felix Kuyinu
In a bid to ensure sustenance of the Child Right Law, the Lagos State Government has disclosed that no fewer than 57 children have been rescued from different forms of abuse in the last one year.
The state government stated that since May 2024, 624 incidents of child maintenance crisis were handled in ensuring care and protection of the children.
In addition, the executive arm also informed that a total of 97 social investigations to homes and schools were conducted in the duration leading to the children being rescued and placed in private and government shelters.
During the 2025 Ministerial Briefing held at the state’s Secretariat in Alausa, Ikeja, on Wednesday, the Attorney General, Lawal Pedro, said that 13 interim protection orders were obtained alongside 26 cases which got a court ruling for protection order. 90 persons were referred to private partner law firms and are receiving appropriate pro bono legal assistance. A total of 120 persons were referred to the Lagos Public Interest Law Partnership Office (LPILP), also for pro bono legal assistance.
Pedro, who also doubles as the Commissioner of Justice, mentioned that 99 cases of family crises were referred and assisted with legal intervention through the legal department and Bureau of Public Defender, adding that 54 cases were held at the state’s High Court following an advice of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). Four restraining orders were filed at the state’s Magistrate Courts.
According to him, the Lagos Virtual Response and Referral Service (VRRS) handled 8,178 domestic violence cases resulting in 4,000 survivors’ criminal acts being scheduled for counselling and psychotherapy services having suffered from trauma and other psychological challenges.
The Attorney reassured that the state government under the leadership of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu will remain resolute in fighting sexual and domestic violence. He also noted that residents should desist from the prohibited act as necessary sanctions await anyone who acts contrary to the regulations of the state.
