The Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Uzamat Akinbile -Yussuf has revealed that no fewer than 150 females were raped, while 31 babies were abandoned on the streets of Lagos in the last one year.
She disclosed this at a press briefing in Ikeja on Tuesday.
She said that 150 cases of sexual and physical abuse were documented, while five pregnant schoolchildren were aided to access necessary ante-natal and delivery services and were also integrated back into school.
She said 31 babies, 19 females and 12 males, dumped at different corners of the State by their parents, were rescued in the last one year on the streets of Lagos.
She added, “Also, a total of 57,350 schoolchildren benefitted from individual and group counselling sessions to curb truancy, gangsterism and other social vices. About 150 reported cases of sexual abuse and physical abuse were treated. Five pregnant schoolchildren were assisted to access adequate antenatal and delivery services. They were also integrated back into school.”
The commissioner further explained that 85 suspected rapists and paedophiles had been charged to court while the cases were still pending.
She explained further, “The Child Protection Unit is responsible for the rescue and referral of all abandoned babies and children in the state to orphanages and homes. It also carries out child audit on the registered orphanages to decongest the homes and discourage institutionalisation. A total of 31 babies —19 females and 12 males — were rescued during the period under review.”
She said that 74 babies were given out for adoption, while 81 adoptions were legalised through the family courts.
Akinbile-Yussuf further revealed that the government moved 1,340 beggars, the destitute and the mentally-challenged off the streets of Lagos.
“A total of 590 rehabilitees were released and re-united with their relations for re-integration.
“The state government provides medical and vocational facilities to help in turning the lives of beggars around. About 147 rehabilitees are currently undergoing vocational training at the Lagos State Rehabilitation and Training Centre, Majidun,” She concluded.
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