The Anambra State Police Command said a 36-year-old woman, identified as Anulika Onyeanusia, was arrested in Onitsha on September 10 after operatives received information about a disturbing video allegedly showing the sexual abuse of a minor.
The police also said four children, aged two, three, six and nine, were rescued during the operation, while sex toys and other items relevant to the investigation were recovered. The command said the suspect remained in custody as investigators worked to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged offence and whether other persons were involved.
Reacting to the development, Adeola said the incident should go beyond the arrest of one suspect, stressing that the case should prompt a wider conversation about children who may be experiencing abuse without being detected or reported.
“If one case has come to light, we must ask how many other children may be suffering silently. This is not only an Anambra issue; it is a national child-protection concern that requires urgent and sustained action,” she said.
Adeola said the protection of children must involve government, parents, schools, communities, civil society organisations and other institutions responsible for children's welfare.
Her position comes as YCISI concludes its five-day SGBV Check awareness campaign, which brought together women advocates and professionals to discuss different forms of sexual and gender-based violence affecting children.
Health Journalist and Wellness Advocate Aderayo Olaiya drew attention to the growing danger of online grooming, explaining that exploitation can begin with seemingly harmless messages, compliments, gifts or secret conversations before progressing into inappropriate sexual communication and demands for private images.
Media/PR Practitioner and Family Coach Amina Omoike focused on the importance of listening when children speak or display signs of distress. She noted that children may not always have the words to explain abuse and urged adults to respond with protection and reassurance rather than blame or disbelief.
Faith-based child advocate Oluwatoyin A.Y. stressed that behavioural changes such as withdrawal, fear or reluctance around particular people should not simply be dismissed as stubbornness or bad behaviour. She also warned against protecting family relationships or adult reputations at the expense of a child's safety.
STEM leader and equity and inclusion advocate Bamidele Farinre said child protection is a shared responsibility involving families, schools, religious organisations, community leaders, professionals and members of the public. She also highlighted risks children face online, including grooming, exploitation and exposure to inappropriate content.
Together, the four advocates reinforced the need for adults to listen to children, recognise warning signs and create environments where children can speak without fear.
Adeola said YCISI's work is focused on educating, mentoring and grooming children, particularly those between the ages of seven and thirteen, while helping them build confidence and understand issues affecting their safety. The initiative has reached and trained more than 400 children.
She urged parents and guardians to take a more active interest in their children's friendships, movements and online activities, while creating safe spaces for honest conversations.
Adeola also called on Nigerian mothers, First Lady of Nigeria Senator Oluremi Tinubu, First Lady of Anambra State Dr Nonye Soludo and all 36 First Ladies across the country to use their platforms to support practical child-protection programmes and strengthen interventions for vulnerable children.
She said the response to child abuse must not stop at arrests or media reports.
“A child is not a commodity, and a child's vulnerability must never become a source of income for an adult. We must stop reacting only after children have been harmed. Government, parents, schools, communities, NGOs and every child advocate must take responsibility for protecting them.”
Adeola called for thorough investigation of alleged child-abuse cases, protection and appropriate support for affected children, stronger safeguarding systems and sustained public education.
The Anambra Police Command has said the rescued children would receive appropriate care and protection, with relevant child-protection agencies expected to provide counselling and other support. The command also said the children's identities and privacy would be protected during the investigation.
For Adeola, however, the wider challenge remains prevention. She urged Nigerians not to wait for another disturbing video or headline before paying attention to the safety of children.
“Protecting children must move from conversation to concrete action. Every child deserves to grow up in an environment where their voice is heard, their vulnerability is protected and the adults around them take responsibility for their safety.”
