The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Osun State Command, has sealed an unregistered home for children with disabilities in Osogbo, citing poor conditions and lack of proper facilities.
In a statement released on Tuesday by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Kehinde Adeleke, it was revealed that the action followed the directive of the State Commandant, Igbalawole Sotiyo, after operatives discovered the facility was unfit for the care of children with special needs.
Deputy Commandant of Corps, Oluwafemi Abeere, who led the operation, disclosed that the NSCDC acted “following a tip-off from the public.”
“Upon arrival, it was evident that the children were malnourished, and operatives discovered that the home lacked registration with relevant authorities, raising concerns about the children’s well-being,” he added.
Efforts to reunite the children with their families have met with resistance, the statement further disclosed.
“The command has reached out to the parents and guardians of the children for their pickup, but they refused,” it stated.
According to the NSCDC, investigations showed that many of the children had been abandoned.
“A discreet investigation revealed that the children’s parents have abandoned them with the caregiver, ceasing payment for services and becoming unreachable when contacted,” the command added.
The NSCDC has since contacted the Osun State Bureau for Persons With Disabilities to take further steps in addressing the welfare of the affected children.
In a message to the public, the State Commandant advised, “carefully vet care facilities,” stressing the importance of safeguarding vulnerable individuals. He assured that the NSCDC would continue working with relevant stakeholders to ensure the protection of persons with disabilities across the state.
