Video Sparks Outrage Over Alleged Attempt to Lure 13-Year-Old Hawker, Raises Child Safety Concerns
A video circulating on social media has sparked child protection concerns after it appeared to show an adult man engaging a 13-year-old child who was hawking cocoyams in a public area.
In the footage, the child is seen being called over by the man, who initially appears to inquire about the goods being sold before the conversation reportedly shifts into inappropriate remarks. An eyewitness who recorded the incident from a nearby location later confronted the man and questioned his behaviour.
The child can be heard in the video describing the exchange, saying the man made personal remarks before she responded that she was too young for such comments. The man, however, denied wrongdoing in the video, claiming his statements were a joke and that he only intended to purchase cocoyams.
The incident drew the attention of passersby, several of whom condemned the interaction as inappropriate. The video has since circulated widely online, prompting concern about the safety of children engaged in street hawking and informal trading activities.
Child protection advocates say the situation highlights the risks children face when involved in street hawking, where they may be exposed to unsafe interactions with adults and lack adequate supervision or protection.
As of the time of filing this report, no official statement has been released by relevant authorities regarding the incident.
