The Edo Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Eugenia Abdallah, has emphasized the need for responsible parenting, child protection and proper supervision.
She made the call on Saturday following the reunion of three children who fled their home in Benin City.
Abdallah spoke in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) after the children, who reportedly ran away for fear of punishment after eating food kept by their mother, were reunited with their family.
According to her, the incident highlights the importance of creating safe and supportive home environments where children can communicate freely without fear.
“Every child has the right to safety, care, protection and an environment where they can communicate freely without fear,” she said.
The commissioner urged parents and guardians to adopt positive parenting practices and pay closer attention to their children’s emotional wellbeing and daily activities.
She also advised families to promptly report cases of missing children to the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, security agencies or other relevant authorities to facilitate timely intervention.
Abdallah said the children, who are from Igusi Community in Oredo Local Government Area, were rescued after they became lost while trying to avoid punishment.
She explained that the Chairman of Igusi Community, Mr Osabuohien Aisien, found the children wandering and took them to Amadin Orphanage in Benin City, where they received temporary care and protection.
According to her, the swift action of the community leader, the orphanage management and concerned members of the public helped ensure the children’s safety and eventual reunion with their parents.
“Children have rights that must be protected. They deserve care, love, guidance and protection,” she said.
The commissioner commended Aisien, the management of Amadin Orphanage and residents who provided useful information that aided efforts to reunite the children with their family.
She reaffirmed the commitment of the administration of Gov. Monday Okpebholo to protecting the welfare, safety and rights of children across Edo.
The children’s mother, Mrs Evelyn Ochade, told NAN that she returned from her business premises to discover that her children were missing and immediately began searching for them.
Ochade said that information from concerned members of the public, coupled with a video of the children circulating on social media, had helped her trace their whereabouts and reunite with them.(NAN).
