UNICEF Raises Alarm as Child Abuse Cases Surge in Northeast Nigeria

Stakeholders across Bauchi, Adamawa, and Gombe States have been called upon to intensify efforts to protect children and uphold their fundamental rights to survival, development, and protection.
The call was made by the Chief of Field Office of UNICEF Bauchi Field Office, Dr. Nuzhat Rafique, during a stakeholders’ engagement on sexual abuse against children held in Gombe State.
Dr. Rafique emphasized that every child deserves a healthy start to life, including proper birth registration, access to healthcare, and protection from preventable diseases.
She expressed concern over the high number of child deaths in Nigeria caused by diseases that could be avoided through basic healthcare and nutrition.
The UNICEF Chief urged parents to practice exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months and ensure proper nutrition afterward to combat malnutrition.
Highlighting the role of the media, she called on journalists in the three states to sustain awareness campaigns on child rights, stressing that informed communities are key to raising responsible future leaders.
The Chief of Field Office also described child abuse as deeply troubling and urged stakeholders to ensure children have access to education, healthcare, and protection from all forms of violence.
In her presentation, the UNICEF Child Protection Specialist, Mrs. Ladi Alabi, revealed alarming statistics on sexual abuse cases in the region, saying between late 2024 and April 20, 2026, a total of 293 cases were recorded across the three states—25 in Bauchi, 77 in Adamawa, and 191 in Gombe.
She noted that most victims are girls under 18 and lamented the low rate of reporting in Bauchi state, adding that six out of ten children experience violence, often repeatedly, with girls aged 13 to 15 particularly vulnerable.
The Child Protection Specialist added that sexual violence exposes victims to sexually transmitted infections, mental health challenges, and unintended pregnancies.
Mrs. Alabi stressed that many children do not report abuse due to fear, stigma, or lack of awareness to support services by survivors while minimizing additional trauma and improving access to justice.
Participants at the event identified several challenges, including weak implementation of laws, low awareness of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act, and intimidation of survivors across the Three states.
They called for increased advocacy, inclusion of security agencies in awareness campaigns, and stronger collaboration between law enforcement and the media.
Security representatives at the engagement assured participants of their commitment to ensure justice, emphasizing that all reported cases must be thoroughly investigated and taken to court with proper evidence.
Traditional leaders present, pledged to support awareness efforts at the grassroots level, while Civil Society Organization representatives highlighted the importance of educating families, promoting safe environments, and encouraging children to speak up without fear.
Speaking on broader challenges, resource person Dr. Abdullahi Yelwa identified underfunding, inadequate manpower, weak enforcement, and poor coordination as major barriers to tackling child abuse.
Dr Yelwa called for full implementation of child protection laws, increased funding, and stronger institutional collaboration.
The engagement concluded with renewed commitments from government agencies, civil society organizations, traditional leaders, and the media to take concrete steps toward ending violence against children and ensuring their rights are fully protected.