Oyo NSCDC Records 231 SGBV, Child Protection Cases In 9 Months

By Victoria Isaac 

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Oyo State Command, recorded 231 cases involving sexual and gender-based violence, domestic violence, child abuse and other child protection concerns between January and September 2026.

‎The Command’s Public Relations Officer, SC Samuel Olubanjo Opebiyi, disclosed this in a statement dated October 26, 2026, attributing the figures to cases documented by the Command’s Gender Unit under the leadership of Commandant Augustine Padonu.

‎A breakdown of the nine-month figures showed that January recorded the highest number of cases at 35, followed by March and September with 32 each. February accounted for 29 cases, July 27, June 22, May 21, April 18 and August 15.

‎Child placement was the most frequently recorded category, with 78 cases, while child neglect accounted for 27 and child access denial 22. Child custody recorded 20 cases, domestic violence 18, and physical assault 15.

‎The Command also documented 13 rape cases, 10 cases of child abduction and seven cases of child abuse. Child defilement, sexual abuse and child sexual harassment accounted for three cases each.

‎Other reported concerns included battery, cyberbullying, emotional assault, threats to life, abandonment, denial of responsibility for pregnancy and other child-related matters.

‎Reacting to the figures, Commandant Padonu reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to protecting vulnerable persons, upholding their rights and responding professionally to reports of abuse and violence.

‎He called for stronger cooperation among security agencies, government institutions, healthcare providers, social welfare authorities, civil society organisations and community leaders to improve prevention, reporting and responses to abuse.

‎Padonu also urged parents, guardians, school authorities and residents to remain vigilant and report suspected cases of violence, exploitation and neglect promptly to the appropriate authorities.

‎He advised the public to treat victims and survivors with dignity, protect their confidentiality and avoid victim-blaming, intimidation or the unauthorised disclosure of sensitive information, particularly where children are involved.

‎The Command further encouraged members of the public to preserve relevant evidence where it is safe to do so and avoid actions that could expose victims or survivors to further harm.

‎The NSCDC said it would continue working with relevant stakeholders to strengthen community safety and ensure that reported cases of abuse and exploitation receive appropriate attention in accordance with the law.

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