The Enugu State Ministry of Children, Gender Affairs and Social Development has rescued a 16-year-old girl who was banished from her Nenwe Community in Enugu State over allegations that her father impregnated her.
In a video that went viral, the teenager and her father could be seen walking out of the community both were banished from staying in their community by the village elders last Thursday, October 15.
The viral video showed residents raining curses on the duo, who were draped in palm fronds, a traditional symbol of abomination in Igbo land. An elderly resident was heard in one of the clips telling the daughter and the father that the community members were banishing them because what they allegedly did was a taboo in the land.
Reacting to the viral video, the state Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs and Social Development in Enugu State, Ngozi Enih, said her ministry has now rescued the teenager and taken her into safe shelter while there is a manhaunt for the father.
The commissioner assured Nigerians the survivor’s physical health, emotional well-being and overall welfare would be prioritised. She further assured that the girl would receive appropriate psychosocial support to help her navigate the trauma she had experienced in order to begin her healing and recovery journey.
Mrs Enih emphasised that no child should ever be blamed, rejected or punished for being a victim of such abuse.
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