Edo Women Ministry Takes Custody of Abused 11-Year-Old Child, Suspects Arrested

By Rosemary Okoduwa

The Edo State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development has taken 11-year-old Rejoice Godswill into protective custody following a viral video alleging she was abused by her mother in the New Benin area of Benin City.

The video, recorded by human rights activist Comrade Lucky Orukpe, showed the child with visible injuries. Her mother, identified as Beauty, admitted to burning part of the child’s buttocks with melted nylon cellophane as punishment for what she described as stubborn behaviour.

Acting on the report, the Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Eugenia Abdallah, ordered the immediate arrest of the child’s mother and stepfather to facilitate a thorough investigation. The suspects are currently being held at the New Benin Divisional Police Station and are expected to be transferred to the Edo State Police Command for further investigation.

The Ministry has placed the child in protective custody, where she is receiving medical attention, psychosocial support, and temporary shelter.
While the mother claimed she carried out the act in her husband’s absence, some residents alleged that the stepfather restrained the child during the incident. The police are investigating these claims.

Authorities also observed several old injury marks on the child, raising concerns about possible prior abuse, which will form part of the ongoing investigation.

Hon. Abdallah commended Comrade Lucky Orukpe for promptly alerting the Ministry and praised his commitment to protecting vulnerable individuals.

She reaffirmed the Edo State Government’s zero-tolerance policy on child abuse, warning parents, guardians, and caregivers against all forms of violence and cruelty toward children. She emphasized that every child deserves a safe and protective environment and assured the public that anyone found culpable would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.

The Commissioner also urged members of the public to report cases of child abuse, neglect, or exploitation to the appropriate authorities, stressing that the protection of children is a collective responsibility.