
The Ogun State Government on Monday, announced the arrest of one Ashafa Afelaja, the headmaster of a private school at Eyin Ogbe, Igode near Ogijo for allegedly sodomising a female pupil (name withheld).
Afelaja was said to have been picked up after a concerned member of the public brought the unfortunate incident to the notice of the state government
The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Adijat Adeleye, disclosed this in a statement on Monday.
Adeleye said, “Our rescue team has intervened in Adamo, Ikorodu, a border community, following reports of a school headmaster physically assaulting (sodomising) a young female pupil. While the perpetrator is presently within police custody, we are following up on the rescued child and mother for necessary attention and further action.
“We want to assure the public that the victim is receiving the necessary medical care and psychological support. The Ministry remains resolute in securing justice for all survivors of abuse and will continue to work with Law enforcement agencies to ensure swift and decisive action against perpetrators.
“We urge members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report any cases of child abuse, domestic violence, and other forms of human maltreatment. We reaffirm that the Prince Dapo Abiodun-led- administration will continue to maintain zero tolerance for gender-based violence, child abuse and other form of domestic abuse”.
Similarly, acting on a tip-off from concerned individuals, the ministry officials also rescued a four-year-old boy (name withheld) who had been brutally assaulted by his father in Igboko, Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area.
The child is said to have since been placed under the protective custody of the Ministry, where he is receiving comprehensive medical care and emotional support.
Adeleye said, “The alleged perpetrator is currently in police custody with all necessary legal arrangements underway to ensure justice is served.
“At present, the child is stable and responding well to medical treatment, with further tests and evaluations being conducted to ensure his full recovery.”
The Commissioner urged members of the public to support the state government in eradicating all forms of gender-based violence, child abuse and every other injurious act to women and children’s development.