By Eberechukwu Ezekigbo
A child may live next door, attend a school around the corner or play in the compound beside yours. Behind a quiet face, however, could be a child who needs someone to notice, listen and offer protection.
Recent cases of alleged child abuse in Anambra State have underscored the importance of vigilance and community involvement in protecting children. They also highlight the fact that safeguarding children is not the responsibility of parents alone, but a shared duty.
One case that drew public concern was that of 10-year-old Chiziterem in Obosi, whose situation came to light following reports of alleged severe physical abuse.
The intervention that followed demonstrated the importance of community vigilance, as concerned residents and security personnel reportedly alerted the relevant authorities. The child was subsequently rescued and provided with medical attention.
Another recent case involved 36-year-old Anulika Onyeanusia, who was arrested in Onitsha over allegations relating to the sexual abuse and exploitation of minors and the online distribution of related videos.
According to the police, four children, aged two, three, six and nine, were rescued during the operation, while sex toys and other items relevant to the investigation were recovered. The matter remains subject to legal proceedings.
While such cases are disturbing, their most important lesson should be the need for vigilance. Children may not always have the confidence, words or opportunity to speak about what they are experiencing.
Warning signs may include sudden withdrawal, unusual fear, unexplained injuries, changes in behaviour or reluctance to be around certain individuals. Such signs, however, do not automatically establish that abuse has occurred.
Where there are reasonable concerns about a child’s safety, adults should not simply look away. Parents, teachers, neighbours, relatives, religious leaders and other members of the community all have important roles to play in ensuring that children are safe.
Parents can create an environment where children feel comfortable speaking about their experiences, while teachers and neighbours can pay attention to significant changes that may require concern. Suspected abuse should be reported to the appropriate authorities rather than handled privately.
Protecting children also means preserving their dignity and privacy. Members of the public should avoid sharing photographs, videos or personal information that could identify or further traumatise vulnerable children while investigations are ongoing.
The message is simple: notice, listen, protect and report. The child next door may not know how to ask for help, and sometimes protecting a child begins with one responsible adult choosing not to look away.
Eberechukwu Ezekigbo is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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