Abia Declares War on Child Sexual Abuse, Launches Public Offenders Register
In an attempt to boost child protection and accountabilities for those committing sexual offences, the government of Abia has rolled out a Sexual Offenders Register.
The register will be run by the Ministry of Justice and be open to the public, and will list the names of people who have been convicted of sexual offences. The program will “discourage abuse, increase accountability and sends a message that crimes against children will not be left unpunished,” state officials said.
In addition, the government has revealed that two criminals were convicted by the Abia State Family Court in Umuahia in two kids-related offences. Both offenders were sentenced to prison, one of 30 years for sexual abuse of a teenager and another on a 10-year sentence for sexual abuse of a five-year-old child. These sentences were both imposed with a five-year jail term.
One of the offenders fled to Nasarawa State after the offence and was picked up by police, taken back to Abia state where he was prosecuted successfully, the police disclosed.
In addition to prosecution, the state said that medical care, counselling and psychosocial support are available for children and others who suffer sexual or gender-based violence at the Sexual Assault Refer and Treatment Centre, Aba.
Child protection advocates praised this effort, emphasizing the need for robust laws, transparency, and assistance for survivors, along with community education and engagement to help prevent child abuse and ensure every child has a safe environment in which to thrive, learn, and grow.
