Honey Seller Arrested Over Alleged Sexual Assault of Three Children in Niger
MINNA, Nigeria – The arrest of a 37-year-old honey seller for the repeated sexual abuse of three children has highlighted critical gaps in child safeguarding mechanisms across Niger State, child protection advocates warn.
Isah Usman, a resident of Angwan Biri Area in Minna, allegedly targeted three children between the ages of 13 and 15. Police investigations revealed that the suspect used honey and N500 to groom his victims, then threatened them to ensure their silence after each assault.
Police spokesperson Wasiu Abiodun confirmed that medical examinations at the Police Clinic, Minna, established evidence of penetration. The suspect has confessed to the acts and been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for prosecution.
In a separate incident, 37-year-old Zailani Suleiman was arrested for allegedly drugging and raping a 17-year-old girl in Paikoro LGA.
Child protection experts describe these cases as textbook examples of grooming, where abusers build trust through small gifts and attention before exploiting vulnerable children. “These children were betrayed by someone they likely saw as a friendly neighborhood figure,” said a local safeguarding officer. “The use of honey and small cash amounts is a deliberate tactic to lower a child’s defenses.”
Authorities are urging parents and community leaders to implement stronger safeguards, including age-appropriate conversations about body safety, identifying trusted adults for children to confide in, and reporting any suspicious behavior immediately.
The Niger State Police Command has pledged swift prosecution of both suspects. Meanwhile, child rights organizations are calling for expanded community education programs and mandatory reporting protocols in schools to prevent future abuses before they occur.
