By Uzo Ugwunze

The Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO), Anambra State Branch, has condemned two alleged cases of severe child abuse in the state, involving the alleged production of pornographic content featuring a nine-year-old girl and the alleged torture of a seven-year-old girl.

In a statement dated Sept. 16, titled “Silence in the Face of Evil Is Evil Itself,” and signed by the organisation’s Chairman, Evangelist Comrade Vincent Ezekwueme, Secretary, Comrade Chidi Mbah, and Treasurer, Comrade Hyginus Udensi, CLO expressed concern over what it described as grave violations of the rights, dignity and safety of children.

According to the organisation, the first case involves Mrs. Anulika Onyeanusia, who allegedly used her nine-year-old biological daughter to produce explicit content for commercial purposes and distribution on social media.

The second case concerns Miss Oluebube Ofoma, a seven-year-old from Ibollo Community, Awada Obosi, Idemili North Local Government Area(LGA), who CLO alleged was subjected to severe physical abuse by her mother, Mrs. Ogechi Ofoma, including injuries allegedly inflicted with a hot knife and other dangerous objects.

CLO expressed particular concern that the alleged perpetrators in both cases are the children’s biological mothers, who, according to the organisation, have a fundamental responsibility to protect and care for their children.

The rights group said the alleged acts violate the fundamental rights and protections guaranteed to children under relevant Nigerian laws, including Section 34 of the 1999 Constitution, the Child Rights Act 2003 as domesticated in Anambra State, the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law and applicable cybercrime legislation.

“No child deserves such cruelty,” the organisation noted, while calling for appropriate legal action based on the outcome of investigations.

CLO commended individuals who alerted the relevant authorities, stressing the importance of speaking up when children are at risk. It praised the Anambra State Police Command, led by CP Nnanah Amah, for what it described as a prompt response that resulted in the rescue of the children and the apprehension of suspects.

The organisation called on the Anambra State Government, the Police Command and the Ministry responsible for Women and Children Affairs to ensure that the cases are thoroughly investigated and, where sufficient evidence is established, prosecuted in accordance with the law.

CLO urged authorities to ensure that the affected children receive appropriate medical care, psychosocial support, trauma-informed assistance, safe shelter and continued education, with their welfare and best interests given priority.

The group called for stronger child protection mechanisms and community surveillance systems to help identify and respond to abuse before it escalates.

CLO appealed to traditional rulers, Presidents-General, religious leaders, teachers, neighbours and other community members to reject the culture of silence around child abuse, noting that early reporting can help protect vulnerable children.

It urged members of the public to report suspected cases of child abuse, sexual exploitation, trafficking, torture and other forms of violence against minors to the appropriate authorities, including the Police and relevant child-protection agencies.

The organisation said it would continue to monitor the cases and called for due process, accountability and protection of the affected children as investigations proceed.