Edo State MWASD Clears the Air on Viral Children in the Rain Video

By Rosemary Okoduwa

The Edo State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development has moved swiftly to calm public anxiety following a disturbing video circulating on social media, showing children lined up in the rain waiting to receive food, one visibly shivering in the cold.

In a statement personally signed by the Honourable Commissioner, Hon. Eugenia Abdallah, and made available to newsmen, the Ministry clarified that the incident did not occur in Auchi or anywhere within Edo State, contrary to widespread claims online.

According to the statement, a prompt and thorough internal investigation found no link between the video and Edo State. While preliminary, unverified reports suggest the footage may have originated from another African country, the Ministry stressed that there is no evidence connecting it to any community within the state.

Despite distancing Edo from the incident, the Commissioner expressed deep concern over the condition of the children seen in the footage, describing the situation as a clear violation of child protection principles and the Child Rights Law, which guarantees the dignity, safety, and well-being of every child.

“The welfare of every child must remain paramount,” the statement emphasized, condemning any act that exposes children to harm, neglect, or inhumane treatment, regardless of location.

The Ministry also used the opportunity to caution the public against the spread of unverified information, noting that such actions can trigger unnecessary panic and damage the reputation of communities and institutions.

Reaffirming the government’s stance, the Commissioner commended Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo for his continued commitment to policies and interventions that protect children and vulnerable groups across the state. The statement further acknowledged the efforts of the Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Anani, whose advocacy and initiatives have strengthened child welfare systems and family support structures in Edo.

The Ministry reiterated its resolve to remain vigilant, promising to monitor developments, investigate reported cases, and take decisive action against any individual or group found violating child protection laws within its jurisdiction.

She encouraged members of the public to report cases of child abuse, neglect, or exploitation through appropriate channels, as the government intensifies efforts to safeguard every child’s right to safety, dignity, and care.