Kwara Investigates Camping Of 30 Children In Illegal Orphanage Home

Kwara State government has commenced an investigation into the circumstances leading to the camping of some 30 children in an unapproved Orphanage Home in Ilorin, the state capital.

LEADERSHIP Friday reports that officials of the state Ministry of Social Development rescued the children from the Iranlowo Oluwa Orphanage and Children Home, yesterday.

Consequently, the government has commenced rehabilitating the rescued children and also tracing their identities and families.

It was gathered that the rescued children, comprising boys and girls between the ages of two and 15, have been relocated to a government-approved shelter under the supervision of the Ministry of Social Development, where they are receiving care, protection and necessary documentation.

The commissioner for Social Development, Dr Mariam Imam, said the intervention aimed to safeguard the rights and welfare of the children, assess their immediate needs, evaluate their health and educational conditions, and provide the necessary support for their long-term protection and well-being.

She explained that the children were undergoing comprehensive medical screening, nutrition support and psychosocial counselling, while the Ministry has also commenced work on family tracing and reunification, where appropriate.

She added that children who cannot be reunited with their families would be considered for placement in approved care facilities.

She assured that the children would continue to receive the care and support required to help them regain a sense of safety, belonging and confidence as the rehabilitation process progresses.

She commended the state government for its commitment to strengthening child protection and ensuring that vulnerable children are adequately protected from abuse, neglect and exploitation.