Beware of Pedophiles During COVID-19 Lockdown, NAWOJ Chair Urges Parents

The National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Lagos State Chapter, has urged parents and guardians to beware of pedophiles as the lockdown continues across the country with the aim of containing the spread of COVID-19.

The Chairperson of NAWOJ, Lagos State Chapter, Comrade Adeola Ekine gave the warning on Monday, April 06, 2020 in a press statement made available to The DAILYBELLS.

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to the shutdown of schools, offices, markets and other public places, making children to stay at home and prone to negative influences if not given the attention they require.

Ekine, an advocate for gender equality, safety of the girl child and the health and rights of women and girls, opined that it is important to keep sensitizing mothers to be vigilant, and be proactive to the dangers the children, especially girls, could be exposed to, so that pedophiles do not prey on them.

She also reiterated the need for parents to teach their children the importance of their body and not shy away from educating them about sex from age 5 -6.

“As female journalists in Lagos State, we will continue to advocate for non discrimination of the girl child, the right to survival and development of potential, protection from harmful influences, abuse and exploitation and full participation in family, cultural and social life of the girl child,” Ekine stated.

She commended the efforts of the Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, CP Hakeem Odumosu for arresting two people for allegedly defiling minors, 9 and 13 year old girls.

According to her, mothers are advised not to let their wards out of their sights and avoid keeping their children with menders e.g neighbors, uncles, teachers, friends etc.

Ekine stressed the need for mothers to be close to their children and let them find it easy to confide in their parents adding that, “as mothers, it is our duty protect our children from predators, teach them to recognize inappropriate behaviors around them because most pedophile are known to the children.”

While reiterating that COVID-19 has no vaccine, she encouraged women to stay safe and follow strictly the simple but very important tips of regular hand washing, maintain social distance and encourage good hygiene in the home front because prevention is always better and cheaper than cure.