By Osegbue Patricia
The Mayor of Onitsha North Local Government Area, Mr. Nweze Tony Nwora, has condemned the alleged abuse of children in Akpaka, Onitsha, and appealed to members of the public to stop circulating videos relating to the incident.
Nwora on Sept. 10, made the appeal in a statement, saying he had followed developments surrounding the incident with concern and urged relevant security and law enforcement agencies to thoroughly investigate the allegations.
He said the incident was disturbing, particularly because it involved children, and expressed concern about its possible impact on their wellbeing.
“As Mayor of the affected Local Government Area, I am particularly troubled that such a distressing situation could occur within our community. As a father, I am equally pained by the thought of what these innocent children have been subjected to,” he said.
Nwora urged the authorities to establish the facts of the case and ensure that anyone found culpable was brought to justice in accordance with the law.
He also appealed to residents and social media users to desist from sharing or resharing videos depicting the children or details of the alleged abuse.
According to him, further circulation of the material could expose the children to additional trauma, violate their privacy and undermine efforts to protect them.
The mayor reminded members of the public that the circulation of child alleged abuse material could constitute a criminal offence under Nigerian law.
He advised anyone who came across such material to report it to the appropriate authorities and the relevant social media platform rather than circulate it.
Nwora assured that the Onitsha North Local Government Council would work with relevant government agencies and institutions to ensure that the affected children received appropriate medical care, counselling and psychological support.
He said the council would support lawful measures aimed at protecting the children and helping them recover from the experience.
“They must be given every opportunity to heal, regain their sense of safety and move forward with their lives. We will not allow their immediate protection to end with the investigation,” he said.
Nwora called on parents, families, community leaders, government institutions and security agencies to strengthen measures for the protection of children and ensure that they grow in safe environments.
“As Mayor of Onitsha North, I remain committed to supporting every lawful effort aimed at protecting our children and making our communities safer for them.
“Our children are entrusted to us. We must protect them, defend their dignity and never look away when they are vulnerable,” he said.
Osegbue Patricia is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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