Edo Govt raises alarm over rising cases of fathers defiling female children
Edo State Sees Rise in Allegations of Parental Abuse
BENIN CITY, Edo State — The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Eugenia Abdallah, has expressed serious concerns regarding the rising number of alleged sexual abuse cases involving fathers and their daughters in Edo State.
Between January and July 2026, the state recorded 72 cases of defilement, with fathers implicated in over half of these incidents. Abdallah emphasized the alarming statistics during a press briefing held on Thursday by the Edo State Ministry of Information and Strategy.
“We have documented 72 cases of abuse of minors so far this year,” Abdallah stated, noting that several cases have progressed to court. “More than 50 percent of these abuses were committed by the minors’ fathers. The victims range from ages two to ten.”
In a disturbing example, Abdallah revealed a case involving a 14-year-old girl who is eight months pregnant after being impregnated by her father, who has since fled the family home. The young victim reportedly expressed a desire for her father not to be arrested, citing love for him.
Despite these challenges, Abdallah reiterated the state government’s commitment to protecting vulnerable citizens. As part of this initiative, the ministry has launched the Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) in Uromi, in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration and other partners. This facility aims to provide coordinated, survivor-centered services, including psychosocial support and referrals, extending essential resources beyond Benin City.
The Commissioner indicated plans for an additional SARC in Auchi to further enhance the availability of services for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence across the state.
Abdallah also addressed various child defilement cases, noting that in one instance involving two sisters alleging prolonged abuse, the ministry ensured the matter was referred to the appropriate investigative and prosecuting authorities. Another significant case involved an 11-year-old girl who faced severe abuse; she is currently under protective care and receiving necessary medical and psychosocial support while authorities pursue the suspects.
Kassim Afegbua, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, added his voice to the issue, describing social vices as both endemic and pervasive. He highlighted the case of a six-year-old girl who was defiled and subsequently rescued by the state government, urging for stricter penalties for those committing such heinous acts.
The situation underscores an urgent need for increased vigilance and responsive measures to safeguard children in Edo State.
