Kwara Rescues 30 Children From Illegal Orphanage Home

The Kwara State government has rescued 30 children from the Iranlowo Oluwa Orphanage and Children Home.

The government said that the facility was operating illegally in Ilorin, the state capital.

The rescue operation was carried out on Thursday by the Kwara State Ministry of Social Development following the discovery of irregularities and concerns relating to the welfare and living conditions of the children at the facility.

The rescued children, comprising boys and girls between the ages of two and 15, have been relocated to a government-approved shelter under the supervision of the Ministry of Social Development, where they are receiving care, protection and necessary documentation.

The commissioner for Social Development, Dr Mariam Imam, said the intervention was aimed at safeguarding the rights and welfare of the children, assessing their immediate needs, evaluating their health and educational conditions, and providing the necessary support for their long-term protection and wellbeing.

She explained that the children were undergoing comprehensive medical screening, nutrition support and psychosocial counselling, while the Ministry has also commenced work on family tracing and reunification, where appropriate.

She added that children who cannot be reunited with their families would be considered for placement in approved care facilities.

She assured that the children would continue to receive the care and support required to help them regain a sense of safety, belonging and confidence as the rehabilitation process progresses.

She commended the state government for its commitment to strengthening child protection and ensuring that vulnerable children are adequately protected from abuse, neglect and exploitation.