The Government of Rivers State and the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), have debunked reported cases of teachers and caregivers sexually abusing 50 students in the State.
The report had quoted the FIDA chairperson, Adata Bio-Briggs, as saying that over 50 cases of teachers and caregivers defiling students had been reported and charged to court between January and April, 2022.
However, FIDA, in a statement jointly signed by its chairperson, Adata Bio-Briggs and Publicity Secretary, Sophia Afolayan, said they had 60 cases of defilement and child molestation as at April 19th, 2022.
They clarified that only five out of the 50 previously reported cases were carried out by teachers, as others were by caregivers “such as pastors, neighbours, lesson teachers, uncle, father, teachers etc.”
According to the statement, “The organization has been inundated with media reports alleging that FIDA Rivers released a report that said she is presently handling 50 defilement cases involving teachers from public primary and secondary schools in Rivers State.
“The Branch categorically denies and debunks this story and asserts that the story is not true and did not emanate from the Branch. FIDA Nigeria, Rivers State Branch presently has only 5 defilement cases involving teachers in primary and secondary schools across the entire State.
“The Branch, however, has altogether as at today the 19th of April, 2022, 60 defilement and child molestation cases involving caregivers which include fathers, uncles, brothers, lesson teachers, pastors, teachers and others.
“The Branch vehemently frowns at the increasing rate of defilement and child molestation in the State and will do all within its power to ensure that all offenders are brought to book.”
Also reacting, the State Commissioner for Education, Prof. Kaniye Ebeku, said FIDA was quoted out of context, noting that the ministry will not relent in taking disciplinary measures against any teacher for unwarranted behaviour.
“FIDA was quoted out of context. Most of the incidents as you heard were from caregivers who abused the kids instead of caring for them,” the commissioner said.
He maintained that “We are serious about discipline in Rivers schools. If you have any information about unwarranted behaviour in schools, please reach out to us at the ministry and we will take the necessary action.
“One of the incidents they mentioned here from Rumuokuta Girls, you can find out. We have taken the necessary steps. We have suspended the teacher involved.”
