In a firm move to combat rising cases of child bullying, the Nasarawa State Government has established a structured legal framework to prosecute offenders who bully children and other vulnerable groups.
The announcement was made by the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Humanitarian Services, Mrs. Hauwa Jugbo, during a press briefing in Lafia ahead of the 2025 Children’s Day celebration.
According to Mrs. Jugbo, the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring a safe, supportive, and dignified environment for every child in the state. She described the framework as a direct response to increasing reports of bullying in homes and schools.
“Our goal is to protect children from the lasting harm caused by bullying—whether physical, emotional, or psychological,” she stated. “This government will not tolerate any form of abuse against children or vulnerable persons, and those found guilty will face prosecution under existing laws.”
The commissioner noted that the new structure aligns with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and Nigeria’s Child Rights Act, reinforcing the government’s zero-tolerance policy on bullying and child abuse.
She further warned parents, teachers, guardians, and caregivers to desist from abusive behavior, stressing that legal consequences await any individual found culpable.
“Bullying is a statutory offense. Many victims suffer in silence due to underreporting, but we are working to change that. Every reported case will be pursued diligently,” she said.
Mrs. Jugbo also highlighted the need for stronger community involvement and public awareness to ensure early detection and intervention in bullying cases. She called on residents to report incidents to appropriate authorities and urged communities to stand in defense of children’s rights.
The new legal framework is expected to drive systemic change in the protection of children and ensure that perpetrators are held accountable in a court of law.
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