30 children rescued from illegal orphanage in Kwara

Thirty children have been rescued from an illegal orphanage in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, following concerns raised by members of the community over their living conditions.

The Kwara State Government said the children were rescued from Iranlowo Oluwa Orphanage and Children’s Home by officials of the Ministry of Social Development.

The children, comprising boys and girls between the ages of two and 15, have since been relocated to a facility supervised by the ministry, where they are undergoing post-rescue assessment and rehabilitation.

Speaking on Friday, the Commissioner for Social Development, Mariam Imam, said the intervention included assessing the children’s immediate needs, as well as their health and educational conditions.

According to her, the ministry is also working to trace the children’s families and reunite them with their relatives where appropriate.

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

The commissioner also directed all orphanages, children’s homes and other childcare institutions operating in Kwara State to register with the ministry.

The Director of Social Work at the ministry, Hamzat Abdulfatah, who participated in the rescue operation, said the intervention had further strengthened collaboration among relevant stakeholders.

“We now understand that if we manage this process properly and follow due process, these children will have the opportunity to live better and more fulfilled lives,” he said.