A survey conducted by the National Population Commission, the United Nation Children’s’ fund (UNICEF) and US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has revealed that over 60 per cent of Nigerian children have experienced one or more forms of violence.
The survey also found out that at least six out of every 10 Nigerian children experience some form of violence before they reach age 18.
Fifty percent of children experience physical violence, one in four girls and one in 10 boys suffered sexual violence while one in six girls and 20 per cent of boys suffered emotional violence by a parent, care-giver or adult relative, the survey revealed.
Speaking at a press briefing on the launch of the year of action to end violence against children, Permanent Secretary, ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Dr Ezekiel Oyemomi noted that these violence are widespread beyond imagination.
The survey comes as President Muhammadu Buhari is expected to launch the Year of Action to End Violence Against Children (VAC) on September 15.
Also UNICEF representative in Nigeria, Jean Gough whose organization assisted on the survey said, “The findings show that violence impacts millions of children’s lives every year across Nigeria.”
Chairman, National Human Rights Commission, Chidi Odinkalu said “when you damage the ethical fibre of a child, you are damaging the possibility to create a better future.”