By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Calabar
Wife of the Cross River State Governor, Eyoanwan Bassey Otu, has condemned the alleged maltreatment of street children by officials of the state Environmental Sanitation and Protection Agency and the Calabar Urban Development Agency.
In a statement by her Press Secretary, Faith Okon, Mrs Otu described the incident as disturbing and unacceptable, noting it has triggered widespread concern among civil society groups and other stakeholders.
She said the actions of the officials undermine the rights and dignity of some of the most vulnerable members of society.
“Every child, regardless of their circumstances, deserves protection, compassion and the opportunity to live with dignity,” she stated.
Mrs Otu, a recipient of a Child Protection Rights Award, called for an immediate investigation into the allegations, urging authorities to ensure that any officials found culpable are sanctioned in line with the law.
She warned that institutions created to serve and protect the public must not become instruments of harm.
The governor’s wife disclosed that her office is already engaging key stakeholders to develop humane and sustainable solutions to the growing number of children living on the streets.
According to her, the intervention will focus on rehabilitation, reintegration, access to education and social support systems aimed at securing a better future for affected children.
“The life of every child in Cross River State matters,” she added.
Mrs Otu reaffirmed her commitment to child welfare, vowing to continue advocating for vulnerable children and ensuring they are protected from abuse, neglect and dehumanisation.
