Former candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) in the 2025 Anambra State Governorship Election, Chioma Ifemeludike, has called for tougher punishment for perpetrators of child abuse, sexual molestation and child trafficking in the state.
Ifemeludike made the call when she led a peaceful protest to the Anambra State House of Assembly under the auspices of the Comrade Chioma Grace Ifemeludike Ministry (CGIM).
The protest, which focused on reported cases of child abuse and sexual molestation, was aimed at drawing the attention of government to the need for stronger child protection measures and effective enforcement of existing laws.
The protesters carried placards with various inscriptions demanding greater protection for children, accountability for perpetrators and improved enforcement of child-rights laws.
According to Ifemeludike, the protest was an evangelical approach to seeking social justice and strengthening child protection and accountability in the state.
She urged relevant authorities to promptly investigate and prosecute reported cases of child abuse while ensuring due process and adequate protection for child victims and witnesses throughout legal proceedings.
Ifemeludike also called for stricter enforcement of child protection laws in Anambra State and effective implementation of existing child-rights provisions recognised under Nigeria’s legal framework.
She appealed to the House of Assembly to strengthen the protection of children by working with the executive and judiciary to ensure that perpetrators face the consequences of their actions.
She specifically advocated life imprisonment for serious cases of child abuse, arguing that tougher sanctions would serve as a deterrent to potential offenders.
“We demand accountability for adults and institutions that conceal or ignore cases of child abuse instead of protecting victims.
“We demand the introduction of life imprisonment as punishment for serious cases of child abuse, to serve as a deterrent to others.
“We call for regular public awareness campaigns to educate communities on child rights and the need to report abuse,” she said.
The protesters also appealed to the Chairman of the House Committee on Women Affairs Barrister. Mimi Ifeoma
Azikiwe, to sponsor legislation aimed at strengthening the enforcement of the Child’s Rights Act, 2003.
Ifemeludike noted that existing provisions under the Child Rights Law and the Violence Against Persons (VAP) Law address several forms of child abuse, but stressed that implementation and enforcement remained major challenges.
She further cited provisions protecting children from economic exploitation and hazardous work, as well as relevant provisions of the Labour Act, 2004, concerning age limits and conditions for young workers.
Responding, the Chairman of the House Committee on Women Affairs, Hon. Mimi Azikiwe, acknowledged the concerns raised by the protesters but said the major challenge was not necessarily the absence of laws.
She noted that existing provisions under the Child Rights Law and VAP Law already address many forms of child abuse, stressing that effective implementation and enforcement remained critical.
Also addressing the protesters, the Majority Leader of the State House of Assembly, Sir Ikenna Ofodeme, said the Assembly was already reviewing existing laws and considering issues relating to penalties and enforcement.
Ofodeme, however, appealed to the protesters and other advocates to observe established legislative procedures when seeking the attention of lawmakers.
He assured the child-protection advocates of the Assembly’s commitment to strengthening efforts to combat child abuse and improve the protection of children in the state.
