Recent Violence Against Children and Young Mothers Sparks Outrage in Nigeria

Series of recent arrests in Nigeria reveal a troubling pattern of violence against children and young mothers, including a man assaulting a schoolgirl over mango theft and a teenage mother suspected of infanticide. Additionally, 57 students were detained for school vandalism. These incidents have triggered public outrage, emphasizing the need for justice and systemic reforms to protect vulnerable individuals.

A concerning series of incidents in Nigeria has led to several arrests, addressing issues of violence, suspect infanticide, and vandalism in schools. These alarming events have intensified public outcry and reinforced demands for justice and systemic reforms aimed at safeguarding vulnerable groups, particularly children and young mothers.

In Maiduguri, Mamman Shettima Baba was apprehended for severely beating a schoolgirl over the alleged theft of mangoes from his property. A video recording of the brutal incident, wherein Baba is seen mercilessly striking the girl while encouraged by his wife, has garnered extensive attention on social media. The girl, accompanied by friends while returning home, had entered his compound and taken the mangoes out of curiosity, leading to her being reported by onlookers.

Following the video’s circulation, the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) swiftly arrested Baba. He confessed to the assault, citing repeated incidents of theft by students. The brutality triggered widespread condemnation from legal experts, child rights advocates, and governmental representatives, with calls for thorough prosecution and support for the victim.

Legal practitioner Hamza Nuhu Dantani urged the Borno State Commissioner of Police to prosecute Baba on various charges, including culpable homicide and assault. He emphasized the need for psychological support for the victim and cautioned against the prevalent culture of impunity related to child abuse in the region. Authorities, including the Borno State Commissioner of Education, have promised that justice will be pursued in this case, which many view as pivotal for future human rights efforts in Borno State.

In a separate case, the Borno State Police arrested 17-year-old Fatima Adamu, suspected of infanticide following the discovery of her deceased newborn. The incident arose when Fatima, having given birth, was seen by a witness as the baby later was found lifeless. Investigations by police and medical examinations are ongoing to ascertain the cause of death while Fatima remains under interrogation.

Additionally, in Ibadan, Oyo State, 57 students from Government Technical College were detained for vandalizing CAC Grammar School. The students reportedly damaged property, including windows and a staff member’s vehicle, during an incident on March 20, 2025. Arrested with support from local authorities, these students are currently in police custody while investigations continue regarding the motivations for their actions.

These troubling occurrences underscore an urgent need for comprehensive reforms to protect vulnerable populations and address youth violence. Activists are calling for stricter enforcement of existing laws to combat child abuse and vandalism, while emphasizing the importance of support systems for affected families. As investigations and prosecutions unfold, there remains hope that these cases may catalyze significant improvements in the societal handling of similar issues across Nigeria.

In summary, recent distressing incidents in Nigeria involving violence against children, suspected infanticide, and school vandalism highlight serious societal concerns that require immediate attention. The arrests of individuals involved are a step towards justice, yet they also underscore the necessity for systemic reforms to protect vulnerable groups, especially children and young mothers. Advocates are calling for more robust enforcement of laws against such abuses, with the hope that the ongoing investigations will lead to meaningful change in safeguarding the rights and well-being of all citizens.

Original Source: prnigeria.com