ActionAid seeks support for rescued Abuja children

ActionAid Nigeria has called on the government to provide support for children rescued from infanticide, a practice where children are killed, often due to cultural or societal beliefs.

The practice, which is said to be predominant in five out of the six area councils in the Federal Capital Territory: Abaji, Gwagwalada, Kuje, Kwali and Abuja Municipal Area councils have led to killing of twins, Albinos and children whose mothers die while breastfeeding them.

The Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, Andrew Mamedu made the plea during a visit by the group’s board members to Vine Heritage Homes in Abuja on Friday.

Vine Heritage Homes is the facility housing some of the saved kids in the FCT.

“Infanticide is a practice that robs children of their right to life. We urge the government to take concrete steps to stop this practice and provide support for these vulnerable children,” he said.

ActionAid has been partnering with Vines Heritage Home for six years, supporting the care of over 200 children rescued from infanticide.

However, Mamedu noted that sustainable funding and government support remain significant challenges.

“The government has a crucial role to play in stopping infanticide and providing support for these children.

“We have engaged with government agencies and officials, and we will continue to advocate for the rights of these children” he said.

Mamedu commended ActionAid’s partnership with Vines Heritage Home, saying, “Together, we have rescued over 100 persons from infanticide. We will continue to work together to ensure these children receive the care and support they need.”

ActionAid’s efforts aim to protect children’s rights and promote a culture of acceptance and inclusivity.

By supporting children rescued from infanticide, the organisation hopes to create a safer and more just society for all.

Speaking at the event, the founder of Vine Heritage Home Foundation, Steven Olusola, called on the government and public to combat infanticide.

Olusola said, “When we started engaging with local communities, we faced more challenges as people began bringing children they couldn’t care for, including twins and those with deformities.”

Despite this, he said the foundation has reunited 30 children with their families, ensuring their safety through regular check-ins.

Olusola expressed gratitude for support from individuals, churches, and organisations like Action Aid, but emphasised the need for more assistance.

“This project is bigger than us, and we need collective support to succeed and set an example for other communities,” he said.

He called on the government to sustain efforts to combat infanticide which it started in 2013, and urged organisations and individuals to support education, medical care, and social services for the rescued children