Stakeholders Unite to Combat Sexual Abuse Among Young Adolescents in Lagos as NSCDC Arrests 56-Year-Old Man for Defiling 12-Year-Old Food Hawker

Segun Atanda/

In a bold move to tackle rising cases of sexual abuse among young adolescents, the Policy Innovation Centre (PIC), in collaboration with the Lagos State Ministry of Health, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and other key stakeholders, convened a high-level consultative workshop in Ikeja, Lagos.

The event, which focused on the Nigeria Survey on Gender Norms, Attitudes, Health, and Wellbeing Project, aims to address harmful societal norms affecting adolescents aged 10–14. Discussions revolved around child marriage, sexual and reproductive health, gender-based violence, HPV vaccination, and women’s economic empowerment.

The Lagos State Commandant of the NSCDC, represented by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Superintendent Oluwaseun Abolurin, reaffirmed the Corps’ commitment to protecting vulnerable adolescents. He disclosed that the NSCDC had made several arrests related to sexual abuse, particularly cases involving minors.

In a revelation, the NSCDC announced the arrest of Wasiu Agbaraojo, 56, who allegedly sexually assaulted a 12-year-old girl hawking cooked rice in the Magbon area of Lagos. The suspect reportedly confessed to the crime and has been handed over to authorities for prosecution.

Stakeholders at the meeting emphasized the urgent need for policy-driven interventions to protect young adolescents from sexual exploitation and harmful gender norms. Facilitators, including Dr. Abiola Oyebanjo, Olubusola Oni, Mr. Seyi Anwo, and Dr. George Olubukola, led discussions on implementing sustainable solutions.

Attendees included representatives from the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Youth and Social Development, DSVA, corporate organizations, NGOs, CSOs, media, and community-based organizations.

The Lagos NSCDC pledged to work closely with stakeholders to reduce the prevalence of gender-based violence and create a safer environment for young adolescents. The meeting ended with a call for stronger policies, community awareness, and stricter law enforcement to curb these alarming crimes.

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