Stakeholders in child protection and justice administration in Kaduna State have raised concerns over the underreporting of sexual abuse involving boys, citing stigma, family pressure, low legal awareness and informal interventions as major barriers to justice.
The stakeholders, who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), said some alleged perpetrators were known to victims and could be neighbours, relatives or other trusted adults. They noted that Kaduna has laws addressing child protection and sexual offences, including the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law 2018 and Child Welfare and Protection Law 2018.
The Centre Manager of Salama Sexual Assault Referral Centre, Sidikat Adegboye, said the facility had handled several cases involving boys, while FIDA Kaduna Chairperson, Olufunke Bamikole, also confirmed receiving complaints of alleged sexual abuse involving children. They stressed the importance of medical care, psychosocial support, legal assistance and prompt reporting.
Kaduna State NHRC Coordinator, Dr Tengu Gwar, identified stigma, cultural considerations, low legal literacy and pressure from family or community leaders as factors causing many cases to remain hidden. He said some families preferred to settle allegations privately, particularly when the accused was a relative or known member of the community.
A Senior State Counsel and child protection specialist with the Kaduna State Ministry of Justice, Sarah Peter, said cases involving sexual violence against boys were being prosecuted, noting that one case concluded in 2026 resulted in the conviction of an adult offender. She, however, expressed concern over cases that stalled because parents were unable or unwilling to make child survivors available to testify.
The stakeholders called for stronger enforcement of child protection laws, improved public awareness, survivor protection and sustained prosecution of offenders. They also urged families to report suspected abuse promptly and avoid informal settlements that could leave children vulnerable to further harm.
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