The Ondo State Government has reiterated its unwavering commitment to protecting the rights, dignity and welfare of every child in the state, declaring that there will be no tolerance for child abuse, violence or any form of assault against children.
The Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Dr. Seun Osamaye, made this known following a disturbing case of alleged child abuse involving a father at Unaun New Site, Upenmen, in Owo Local Government Area, who allegedly inflicted severe injuries on his young daughter by burning her private part with a hot pressing iron as punishment for bedwetting.
Describing the incident as barbaric, inhumane and completely unacceptable, Dr. Osamaye condemned the act in the strongest terms and assured the public that the Ondo State Government would ensure that justice is served.
“The administration of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa maintains a zero-tolerance policy against child abuse. No child deserves to be subjected to such cruelty, and the law will take its full course. We are committed to ensuring that the suspect is prosecuted in accordance with the law,” she said.
The Commissioner commended the Commissioner of Police, Ondo State Command, CP Felix Ohagwu, for his swift intervention and appreciated the Divisional Police Officer, Owo ‘A’ Division, Mr. Iwatan Oluwatobi, for the prompt arrest of the suspect and the commencement of investigations.
Dr. Osamaye also expressed gratitude to His Royal Highness, Chief Olanrewaju Abegunde, the Olunaun of Unaun-Owo, Mr. Ajibola Omotayo, Secretary of the Owo Youth Assembly, and Hon. Olasupo Olakunori, Director General of the Opomulero Movement, for promptly bringing the incident to the attention of the State Government.
She further appreciated Rt. Hon. Doyin Adeyefa, Leader of the House, Owo Local Government, Hon. Nike Agbede, Councillor representing Ijebu II Ward 4, Mr. Maxwell Uwashokan, members of the media, and the Ministry’s Welfare Officers for ensuring that the victim received immediate care and support.
The Commissioner equally commended Mrs. Akinrogbe Omolara, former Special Assistant to the Governor, and the Ministry’s Social Welfare Officers, particularly Mr. Bakare, for their dedication in ensuring that the child received prompt medical treatment at the Federal Medical Centre, Owo.
Dr. Osamaye urged residents of Ondo State to remain vigilant and report all cases of child abuse, neglect, domestic violence, sexual abuse and other forms of violence against women and children without delay.
She emphasized that protecting vulnerable members of society is a collective responsibility and encouraged the public to promptly contact the Ministry whenever they witness or suspect any form of abuse.
CHILD PROTECTION HELPLINE
If you witness or suspect any case of child abuse, neglect, exploitation, domestic violence or gender-based violence, please report immediately to the Ondo State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development through the Ministry’s emergency response lines.
Together, we can protect every child. If you see something, say something. Your prompt report can save a life and ensure justice for every victim.
Signed:
Dr. Seun Osamaye
Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Ondo State
Issued by:
Festus Adeusi
Head, Media and Public Relations Unit
Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development
16th July, 2026
