Rivers, FIDA Denies 50 Cases of Sexual Abuses in Schools

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

The Rivers State Government and the International Federation of Women Lawyers, have denied reports of teachers sexually abusing 50 pupils and students in Rivers State’s public schools.

Speaking, the Rivers State Commissioner for Education, Professor Kaniye Ebeku, said the report was false and a fake news with malicious intent.

The report, which was credited to the International Federation of Women Lawyers, quoted the Chairperson of FIDA in Rivers State, Adata Bio-Briggs, as saying that between January and April 2022, over 50 cases of teachers defiling their students had been reported and charged to court.

The report said some of the recent cases were recorded in Ahoada, Elelenwo and Rumuokuta areas of the state, even as she commended the police for promptly prosecuting many of the cases, which she described as disheartening.

But speaking at a stakeholders meeting in Port Harcourt yesterday, the FIDA chairperson, clarified that only five out of the 50 defilement cases were carried out by teachers, as 45 others were by caregivers including pastors, neighbours, parents etc.

“Yes, we have 50 incidents of defilement and sexual abuse of children ongoing in court. These defilements were done by care givers such as pastors, neighbours, lesson teachers, uncle, father, teachers etc. We only have five cases involving teachers in Rivers State.”

The Rivers State Commissioner for Education expressed displeasure that the report quoted FIDA out of context.

He urged journalists to always reach out to the ministry for clarifications before going to the press, however, warned that the ministry would 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.

“It’s not true that we have 50 cases of rape or molestation in Rivers schools. We shouldn’t play politics with everything, because it doesn’t help us. Facts are sacred, we must stop fake news.

“We are serious of discipline in Rivers’ schools. If you have any information of unwarranted behaviour about schools, please reach out to us at the ministry and we will take the necessary action,” Ebeku assured.