By BONIFACE AKARAH

The Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy and Development (FENRAD) has called for a thorough investigation, accountability and justice over the alleged sexual abuse of a minor in Ebem Ohafia, Abia State, describing the incident as a grave violation of the rights and dignity of a child.

In a statement issued on Friday and signed by its Executive Director, Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, the organisation expressed concern over the allegations, which it said have sparked public outrage and renewed concerns about child protection and the enforcement of laws against sexual violence.

FENRAD condemned all forms of sexual abuse against children and stressed that the safety, dignity, wellbeing and rights of every child must be protected without exception.

According to Nwafor, the alleged abuse goes beyond a criminal offence and constitutes a serious human rights violation capable of leaving lifelong physical, emotional and psychological consequences on the survivor.

"The alleged abuse of a minor is not merely a criminal matter; it is a grave human rights violation with potentially lifelong physical, psychological and social consequences for the survivor," the statement said.

The group called on the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant investigative authorities to conduct what it described as a transparent, impartial and expeditious investigation into the matter.

FENRAD further urged law enforcement agencies to ensure that any suspect found culpable is prosecuted in accordance with the law, insisting that justice must be pursued without fear, favour, intimidation or undue influence.

"We therefore call on the Nigeria Police Force and all relevant investigative authorities to ensure a thorough, transparent, impartial and expeditious investigation into the allegations. Where sufficient evidence exists, the suspect should be prosecuted diligently and in accordance with the law," Nwafor stated.

The rights organisation noted that sexual abuse of children violates several domestic and international legal instruments, including the Child Rights Act 2003, the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act 2015, relevant provisions of Nigeria's Criminal Code, the Child Rights Law of Abia State, the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women.

It said the various legal frameworks impose obligations on governments and institutions to prevent, investigate and punish violations affecting children, particularly girls who often face heightened vulnerability to sexual and gender-based violence.

While acknowledging the reactions and concerns generated by the allegations within the community, FENRAD appealed to residents to remain peaceful and allow due process to take its course.

"The pursuit of justice must be anchored on due process and respect for the rule of law. We caution against actions that may compromise investigations or prejudice judicial proceedings," the statement added.

The organisation also called on the Abia State Government, the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, security agencies, child protection institutions, traditional rulers, faith-based organisations and civil society groups to work together in supporting the victim.

It said such support should include medical care, psychosocial services, legal assistance and protection against stigmatisation or reprisals.

Beyond the current case, FENRAD urged authorities at all levels to strengthen public awareness campaigns, school safeguarding policies, community-based child protection mechanisms and accountability systems aimed at curbing sexual and gender-based violence against children.

"No child should live in fear. No survivor should be denied justice. No perpetrator should escape accountability," Nwafor declared.

The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to promoting child protection, human rights, access to justice and the creation of safer communities where children can grow and thrive free from abuse and exploitation.

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