30 Children Rescued From Unapproved Care Home in Nigeria

Authorities in Nigeria have rescued 30 children, ranging in age from 2 to 15, from an unapproved orphanage in Ilorin, Kwara State.

The children were removed from the Iranlowo Oluwa Orphanage and Children’s Home on Thursday, September 24, after state officials raised concerns about conditions at the facility. They have since been transferred to a government-approved shelter.

According to the Kwara State Ministry of Social Development, the children are now receiving medical attention, food and psychosocial support while officials assess their individual circumstances.

The rescued group includes both boys and girls. Authorities said they are also working to establish the children’s backgrounds and determine whether they have relatives who can safely care for them.

Officials said the intervention followed the discovery of irregularities and concerns about the welfare and living conditions at the facility. The government has not publicly provided a detailed account of all the problems found at the orphanage.

At the new shelter, social workers are carrying out health and educational assessments. The children are also receiving counselling as authorities work on longer-term arrangements for their care.

Kwara State Commissioner for Social Development Mariam Nnfatin Imam said the priority was to protect the children and address their immediate needs.

Authorities said children who can safely return to their families will be considered for reunification after proper assessment and documentation. Those who cannot be reunited with relatives may be placed in approved care facilities.

The Director of Social Work, Hamzat Abdulfatah, said the operation had also strengthened cooperation between government agencies involved in child protection.

The state government has subsequently directed all orphanages and children’s homes operating in Kwara to obtain official approval. Approved facilities are also required to clearly identify themselves so members of the public can distinguish them from unregistered institutions.

For the 30 children, the immediate focus is now on safety, medical care and determining where each child can receive appropriate long-term support.

Sources:
PUNCH – Kwara rescues 30 children from unapproved orphanage