30 children rescued from illegal orphanage in Kwara

Thirty children have been rescued from an illegal orphanage in Ilorin, Kwara State.

The state government said the children, found at Iranlowo Oluwa Orphanage and Children’s Home in the state capital, are undergoing post-rescue assessment and rehabilitation after their rescue.

They were rescued by the state Ministry of Social Development after community members raised concerns about the living conditions of the children at the facility.

The children, comprising boys and girls of between ages two and 15, have been relocated to a facility under the supervision of the ministry.

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

Mrs Imam said the ministry was also working on family tracing and reunification, where appropriate.

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

The commissioner further directed that all orphanages, children’s homes and other child-care institutions operating in Kwara State must register with the ministry.

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The Director of Social Work at the ministry, Hamzat Abdulfatah, who was involved 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.”