A nongovernmental organization, the Centre for Human Rights Advocacy and Wholesome Society, (CEHRAWS), has expressed grave concern by a disturbing report that emerged from Anambra State, revealing that an 18-year-old boy impregnated no fewer than ten teenage girls within a five-month period.
DECENCY GLOBAL NEWS had earlier reported with the headline
“Sharp Shooter: 18-year-old Apprentice Impregnates His Master’s Daughter, 9 Girls In Five Months”
The report highlighted how an 18-year-old apprentice had allegedly impregnated 10 girls in just five months, including his master’s daughter and a salesgirl in Anambra State.
CEHRAWS in a press statement by its Executive Director, Chuka Peter Okoye, on Thursday made a four points demands in handling this precarious development.
Our DEMANDS:
CEHRAWS, therefore, makes the following urgent and non-negotiable demands:
- Immediate and Transparent Investigation by the Anambra State Ministry of Women Affairs, in collaboration with the Nigeria Police and Child Protection Network (CPN) Anambra Chapter, to verify the ages of the girls involved and ascertain the facts for proper legal classification.
- Medical, Psychological, and Social Intervention for all the girls affected, and for the young man involved, to be coordinated by the Ministry of Health, Anambra State, and relevant civil society organizations or professional bodies.
- Criminal Prosecution Where Applicable, under Sections 31 and 32 of the Child’s Rights Act, against any adult who knowingly engaged in sexual intercourse with minors, irrespective of consent.
- Accountability for Negligent Parents and Guardians found to have failed in their duty of care, based on Sections 55 and 56 of the CRA relating to child neglect and moral endangerment.
A Multi-Stakeholder Response Strategy, including:
- A statewide adolescent sexual health campaign led by the Ministry of Information and Orientation with technical support from relevant civil society organizations.
- Integration of relevant civil society organizations in community education.
- Special sessions in secondary schools on sexuality, boundaries, and self-worth.
The NGO reaffirms its commitment to defending the rights and dignity of every child and young person. We will continue to engage, advocate, and intervene to ensure that our communities are safe, informed, and wholesome.
“CEHRAWS recommends a systemic and proactive approach to address the root causes of this tragedy and to prevent recurrence:
- Implementation of Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) in secondary schools, with modules tailored for local cultural contexts.
- Creation and Empowerment of Local Child Protection Committees at the ward and community levels to act as early warning and reporting hubs.
- Functional Youth Resource Centers and Safe Spaces across the LGAs, offering counseling, reproductive health services, and skill-building in a non-judgmental environment.
- Sustainable Government-CSO Partnerships to provide ongoing mentorship, rehabilitation, and monitoring of at-risk youths,” it added.
