GWIHR Leads Effort to Reunite Mother with Her Three Daughters

On the 12th of October 2024, GWIHR responded to a distress call on its toll-free GBV hotline.
A mother of three (name withheld) reported that her estranged husband had forcefully entered her home in her absence and taken her three daughters, aged 9, 7, and 4, without her consent to Lagos, while she was at work.
Distraught, she reached out to GWIHR for immediate assistance. The mother explained that she had been separated from her husband for several years and had been solely responsible for raising and providing for their children.

Upon further inquiry, she disclosed a troubling history that led to the separation. Her husband had been implicated in an earlier case of abuse involving an underage household member under their care. Though the case was reported to the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (SCIID), family members intervened, convincing her to settle the matter privately.

Reluctantly, she forgave her husband and continued in the marriage. However, her concerns grew when similar inappropriate behavior surfaced involving another underaged family member. Alarmed and determined to protect her daughters, the complainant left the marriage, prioritizing the safety and well-being of her three (3) daughters.

Since their separation, she had been managing the children’s welfare independently, doing menial jobs to make ends meet. GWIHR quickly mobilized and coordinated efforts with the Nigerian Police Force, the Lagos State Ministry of Justice, National Human Rights Commission, NAPTIP, Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA). This joint task force worked diligently, navigating legal and logistical challenges to ensure the safe return of the children.

Through the persistent efforts of GWIHR her collaboration with Lagos State actors, the mother was successfully reunited with her daughters. This case highlights the importance of swift action and inters-state collaboration in addressing cases of sexual violence and endangerment of the girl child.

GWIHR remains committed to protecting the rights of vulnerable women, including sex workers, ensuring that justice and safety prevail for those whose fundamental human rights have been violated and those who are in need. The outcome of this case serves as a testament to the power of resilience, advocacy, and collective action in overcoming challenges and restoring hope.
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