2 hours ago
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SOS Children’s Villages, Nigeria has condemned the death of young Ariyo, a student at Obada Idi-Emi High School in Ogun state, who died as a result of flogging as correctional measures.
The National Director, SOS Children’s Villages, Eghosa Erhumwunse, in a press statement said the case of Ariyo is one amongst many others that happen behind closed doors.
” Sadly all the states in Nigeria have enacted the child rights law yet atrocities like this go unpunished,” he said.
He said the VAPP Act strengthens child protections by criminalizing all forms of physical abuse, harm, and exploitation against children, underscoring that individuals who perpetrate violence against children must face legal accountability.
According to him, this Act sends a powerful message against justifying violence in the name of discipline. We deeply sympathise with the family of the young boy and we hope that justice be served fairly and timely.
“This incidence must serve as a lesson to schools and families who utilize corporal punishment as means of discipline.”
“The Ogun state government needs to investigate this outrageous crime against the law as it violates the Ogun state Child’s Right Law which explicitly prohibits any form of assault on children, reinforcing the state’s commitment to protect every child from maltreatment across all settings, including schools yet this horrific incident highlights a serious failure in enforcing these protections.
” This underscores an urgent need for Nigerian states to not only adopt but rigorously implement Child Rights Laws within their jurisdictions.
“The tragic death of Ariyo demands immediate action and accountability from all those responsible. School authorities, educators, and the government must fulfill their duty to provide safe, nurturing environments where students are protected and safe.
“Corporal punishment and punitive measures that inflict physical or emotional pain are acts of violence, not discipline, and they directly violate our children’s rights, our legal obligations, and our society’s values.
“SOS Children’s Villages, Nigeria, demands that the Ogun State Government and relevant authorities deliver justice for Ariyo and enact systemic reforms that prioritize the safety and dignity of every child.
“We call for a zero-tolerance policy toward violence against children, strengthened oversight of institutions, and a commitment to uphold Nigeria’s national and global pledges to protect children’s rights. Let us end the cycle of violence and ensure that children everywhere can grow, learn, and thrive in environments free from fear and harm.
“This incident starkly underscores the alarming reality of violence against children in Nigeria. We view such acts as an unequivocal aberration that undermines societal values and our legal obligations to protect and nurture our youth.
“Ariyo’s death highlights the urgent need to enforce Nigeria’s robust legal framework – the Child Rights act that opposes all forms of violence against children and mandates protection of their rights and well-being.
” The CRA prioritizes the welfare and dignity of every Nigerian child. According to Section 11, each child has a right to personal dignity, and any form of violence, injury, or abuse is unlawful. Section 221 (a-b) further states that there must be protection of children’s dignity by prohibiting corporal punishment and capital punishment, affirming that no child should face such penalties.
“These provisions align with international standards that recognize the harm and long-term psychological impacts of corporal punishment.
“SOS Children’s Villages, Nigeria, demands that the Ogun State Government and relevant authorities deliver justice for Ariyo and enact systemic reforms that prioritize the safety and dignity of every child.
“We call for a zero-tolerance policy toward violence against children, strengthened oversight of institutions, and a commitment to uphold Nigeria’s national and global pledges to protect children’s rights,” he said.
