Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO) has decried the increasing rate of child maltreatment, abuse and sexual harassment, especially in this period of school closure due to COVID-19 lockdown.
Chairman of the organisation in Anambra, Mr Vincent Ezekwueme, raised the concern in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, (NAN) in Enugu on Saturday.
Ezekwueme spoke after a nine-year-old girl (names withheld), who was brutalised and maltreated beyond recognition by her uncle, Mr Hilary Apeh, residing within 3-3 axis near Onitsha in Anambra.
The CLO chairman appealed to parents to properly train and take care of their children.
“Parents should resist the temptation of sending their children as house help to heartless people, not even to close relatives.
“Government should put stringent measures to curtail hawking by girls in order to eradicate incessant sexual harassment, rape of minors and pedophile in country,’’ he advised.
On the plight of the little girl, Ezekwueme criticised the callousness displayed by the uncle towards the harmless innocent girl.
He described Apeh’s act as the barbaric, inhuman and worst form of wickedness and irresponsibility.
“I commend the Anglican Bishop of Nnewi Diocese, Rt. Rev. Godwin Okpala, who promised to adopt the child, train her up to university level and pay her hospital bill as well as assure her of proper upkeep.
“Worthy of appreciation is the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of the 3-3 axis, CSP Bawa Sale, for ensuring the arrest, detention and prosecution of Apeh and for properly taking care of the victim.
“I thank human rights groups, other organisations and public spirited individuals who have shown care and concern toward the plight and predicament of the child.
“God will abundantly bless and rewards you all,’’ he prayed. (NAN)