The group expressed “deep concern and unequivocal disappointment over the handling of the welfare and protection of two minor girls”, identified as victims of severe abuse and maltreatment.
A civil society group, Talakawa’s Parliament, Delta State Chapter, has accused the Delta State Government of failing to adequately protect and care for two minor girls aged eight and 10 who were reportedly subjected to severe abuse by their stepmother.
In a press statement dated January 14, 2026, and signed by its Delta State Coordinator, Comrade Aghatise Raphael, the group said it was “deeply concerned and unequivocally disappointed” by the manner in which the state government, through the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community and Social Development, handled the children’s welfare after assuming custody.
The group expressed “deep concern and unequivocal disappointment over the handling of the welfare and protection of two minor girls”, identified as victims of severe abuse and maltreatment.
The group recalled that disturbing images of the abused children first emerged on December 5, 2025, sparking widespread outrage across the country and among Nigerians in the diaspora.
“Distressing images of the abused children circulated widely, provoking nationwide outrage and an outpouring of compassion,” the organisation said, adding that Nigerians swiftly mobilised funds for the children’s “medical treatment, feeding, education, psychosocial care, and overall welfare.”
According to the group, several individuals even volunteered to fully sponsor the plastic surgery required by the younger child, identified as Uriel, while civil society organisations and faith-based institutions also offered to take responsibility for the girls’ long-term care.
Government Custody, Restricted Access
Talakawa’s Parliament said that following public pressure, the Delta State Government took custody of the children, an intervention initially welcomed by concerned Nigerians.
“While this intervention was initially welcomed, it soon became apparent that it lacked adequate planning, transparency, and a genuine commitment to the best interests of the children,” the group stated.
The organisation said the children were moved from a hospital where donations and daily support were being received to a government hospital in Asaba. It alleged that access to the children was subsequently restricted, including access by individuals and organisations funding their care.
“Although these restrictions were initially presumed to be for the children’s safety and psychological well-being, this presumption was dispelled when the children reportedly ran out of food shortly after relocation, having exhausted the donations made at the previous hospital,” the statement said.
Allegations of Neglect
Talakawa’s Parliament disclosed that it formally wrote to the Commissioner for Women Affairs on December 17, 2025, warning that nearly two weeks after the government assumed custody, no funds had been provided for feeding or general welfare.
“A meeting held on 18 December 2025 with the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry revealed that no clear welfare mechanism had been established for the children,” the group alleged.
With no government funding forthcoming, the organisation said it had to appeal to external bodies for help.
“With it becoming evident that no government funding was forthcoming, we requested the Knights of St. John, Agbor Commandery, of which the children’s late mother was a member, to continue providing financial support. This support was faithfully delivered on a weekly basis, alongside assistance from other concerned Nigerians,” it said.
Unfulfilled Medical Promises
The group said public expectations were that the state government would at least fulfil its promise to facilitate plastic surgery for the younger child.
“We were therefore shocked to learn on 9 January 2026 that the children were discharged from the government hospital without the promised surgery,” the statement said.
According to Talakawa’s Parliament, the children were handed over to their maternal family “without public explanation, documented safeguards, or a disclosed medical plan.”
Legal and Moral Obligations
Citing constitutional and statutory provisions, the group reminded the state government of its responsibilities.
“Under Section 17(3)(d) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), the State is mandated to direct its policies toward securing the welfare of the people, particularly vulnerable children, and to protect them from neglect and exploitation,” it said, adding that the Child Rights Act guarantees every child the right to protection and healthcare.
The group stressed that decisions concerning abused children must be guided by the principle that “the welfare of the people shall be the supreme law.”
Quoting Pakistani education activist Malala Yousafzai, the organisation said, “We realize the importance of our voices only when we are silenced.”
“This principle must guide all decisions affecting vulnerable children, especially the girl child,” it added.
Talakawa’s Parliament demanded public answers from the Commissioner for Women Affairs, including clarification on why the child’s surgery was not carried out, whether funds were released for feeding, and why donors were restricted.
It also questioned the rationale behind releasing the children to their maternal family, whether any home assessment was conducted, and what monitoring mechanisms are currently in place.
Among its demands, the group called for “immediate public disclosure and accountability,” an independent review panel to investigate the handling of the case, and a clearly defined welfare and medical plan for the children.
“Child protection is not a public relations exercise but a constitutional, statutory, and moral obligation,” the statement said.
The group warned that the handling of the case raised “serious concerns about accountability, transparency, and the sincerity of the state’s commitment to protecting the girl child.”
“We call on the Honourable Commissioner to address these issues promptly and transparently, so that the administration of His Excellency, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, is not remembered as one that failed its most vulnerable citizens,” the statement added.
“The dignity, welfare, and future of abused children must never be sacrificed on the altar of political convenience.”