The Enugu State Ministry of Children, Gender Affairs and Social Development has rescued a 16-year-old girl who was banished from her Nenwe Community in Enugu State over allegations that the father impregnated her.
Nenwe is a community in Aninri Local Government Area of Enugu State.
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The teenager (name withheld) was banished from the community alongside her father on Thursday.
The banishment
PREMIUM TIMES obtained video clips circulating on Facebook showing some angry community residents warning the teenager and her father never to return to the community.
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The crowd led the duo to the exit point of the town.
Residents were heard raining curses on the duo, who were draped in palm fronds, a traditional symbol of abomination in Igbo land.
An elderly resident was heard in one of the clips telling the daughter and the father that the community members were banishing them because what they allegedly did was a taboo in the land.
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“Nenwe did not offend you. You were the ones who offended yourselves and defiled our land.
“We are not happy that we are banishing you people from Nenwe. We’re banishing you people because you have defiled the land with the abomination you committed,” the resident said in Igbo language.
The incident has elicited reactions in Enugu State since Thursday.
Many Nigerians say while incest remains a taboo in most African societies, banishment is an ancient practice that should be discouraged.
Rescue
The Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs and Social Development in Enugu State, Ngozi Enih, said her ministry has now rescued the teenager and taken her into safe shelter.
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Mrs Enih, in a statement posted on her Facebook page on Saturday, explained that the ministry’s intervention followed public outcry against her banishment.
The commissioner said the girl was allegedly raped by the father.
“Under the purposeful leadership of Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, the Enugu State Government remains committed to protecting vulnerable children, upholding their rights and ensuring that survivors of abuse receive the care and support they deserve,” she said.
The commissioner assured Nigerians the survivor’s physical health, emotional well-being and overall welfare would be prioritised.
She further assured that the girl would receive appropriate psychosocial support to help her navigate the trauma she had experienced in order to begin her healing and recovery journey.
Mrs Enih emphasised that no child should ever be blamed, rejected or punished for being a victim of sexual abuse.
“Every child deserves protection, dignity, compassion and justice,” she stated.
Manhunt for the father
Mrs Enih said efforts to arrest the father, said to be on the run, were ongoing.
The commissioner said the ministry remains committed to working with the relevant authorities to ensure that the suspect was prosecuted.
She praised members of the public who raised the alarm and brought the matter to the attention of the government.
“Your voices matter, and together, we can build a society where every child is safe, valued and protected,” she said.
“The Enugu State Government, under the leadership of Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, will continue to strengthen child protection systems and ensure that no vulnerable child is left behind,” she assured.
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