Children”s day: Kaduna children decry domestic violence, child trafficking

Children of Bugai Kujama, Chikun local government area of Kaduna State at the weekend called on the state government and the general public to rise up to end all forms of violence against children including domestic violence and child trafficking among others. The children made their case known when a non-governmental organization, Archdiocesan Catholic Healthcare […]

Children of Bugai Kujama, Chikun local government area of Kaduna State at the weekend called on the state government and the general public to rise up to end all forms of violence against children including domestic violence and child trafficking among others.

The children made their case known when a non-governmental organization, Archdiocesan Catholic Healthcare Initiative (ACHI) supported by Save the Children project took the children’s day celebration to the community.

Obed Daniel, 15, who presented a speech titled, ‘Stop violence against children now’, lamented low reportage on the spate of crime committed against children in Nigeria; which he said has made it difficult for policy makers to rise to the occasion decisively.

He stated that child molestation by caregivers, relatives or parents can be prevented by avoidance of unwanted pregnancies, hard drugs and substance abuse among others. He also suggested that people who violate children’s rights should be punished so as to serve as deterrent to others. 

"We are not happy with the news of violence against our mates. Violence against children is been under reported and that has made it difficult for policy makers to address problems facing children but we are aware of the fact that there are underlining factors such as poverty, ignorance, illiterate and cultural belief that have made it difficult to report many cases because of fear of reprisal attack.”

 

Another child, Purity Bulus who also spoke at the event also called on parents to desist from sending their wards to cities to work as househelps. "Many of such children suffer alot in the hand of their caregivers. Children are the future of this country and nobody can stop us from becoming what God want us to be," he said.

Earlier, the Manager and Evaluation Officer of ACHI, Patrick Victor said, Bugai community is one among several communities his organization is currently working in. "Instead of going to big places like stadium, Murtala square and other places in the town, ACHI through the support from Save the Children Project decided to come to this village to commemorate this year’s children’s day with the children.

"As you can see, they are happy that we are here to celebrate with them and that is our happiness too. It is one of those things ACHI is doing, penetrating remote communities and helping them in the area of health," he said.