CCN condemns violence against children, sensitises public

President of the Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN) Rev. Benebo Fubara-Manuel has condemned rising violence against children in various parts of the country. He said the nation is in a period, where some extremists in the name of religion have shown no value for children’s lives, having used them for suicide missions, forced marriages, rape victims and other evils that ruin their lives for no just cause. 

This was CCN’s focus in a weeklong sensitisation programme on ending violence against children, which started September 18 through 24 in partnership with UNICEF.

The sensitisation week, which holds simultaneously in Lagos, Cross Rivers, Plateau and Gombe States will include mass rallies and meetings with significant political heads that can initiate positive changes in this regard.

Fubara-Manuel said: “We have learnt on good authority that one in three children suffer from one form of violence or the other. We regret this as Christians and affirm that care for children is no mere addition to our creed, but is an essential dimension to our being and calling as people of God. We are committed to end violence against children and so we reject child neglect, exploitation, trafficking and abuse, whether physical, emotional, sexual or psychological.”

UNICEF representative and child protection specialist, Mr. Dennis Onoise said: “We see the issue of violence against children as a social norm because of their vulnerable situation. We realise that Nigerians listen to religious leaders and so, UNICEF believes that they have a critical role to play.”