Enugu Govt Rescues Banished Teenager Allegedly Impregnated by Father

The Enugu State Government has taken a 16-year-old girl, Chinaza, into protective shelter after she was reportedly raped by her father and subsequently banished by her community.

The intervention followed public outcry over the case involving the teenager from Nnewe community in Aninri Local Government Area of the state.

The Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs and Social Development, Ngozi Enih, disclosed the development on her social media page, assuring the public that the girl was safe and would receive the necessary care and support.

Enih said the government would prioritise Chinaza’s physical health, emotional well-being and overall welfare, including providing psychosocial support to help her cope with the trauma and begin her recovery.

She stressed that no child should be blamed, rejected or punished for being a victim of sexual abuse, adding that every child deserved protection, dignity, compassion and justice.

The commissioner also disclosed that efforts were ongoing to apprehend the girl’s father, who was reportedly on the run, adding that the ministry was working with relevant authorities to ensure that justice was served.

Enih thanked members of the public who raised the alarm and brought the case to the government’s attention.

“The Ministry sincerely appreciates 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.

She reaffirmed the commitment of Governor Peter Mbah’s administration to strengthening child protection systems and ensuring that children who experience abuse receive the care and support they need.