Cross River leaders, activists urge immediate action on street children

Prominent government officials, human rights advocates, and civil society representatives voiced serious concerns about the worsening situation of street children in the state capital, urging collaborative efforts and overdue accountability.

This initiative was to commemorate the International Day for Street Children, observed every April 12.

This year’s theme, “Participation,” served as both a challenge and a call to action to ensure that children’s voices are included in the decisions impacting their lives.

During the event, Hon. Edema Irom, the Cross River State Commissioner for Women Affairs, referred to street children as “innocent victims of circumstance,” rather than criminals or witches, as some cultural narratives suggest.

She highlighted the necessity for a united front involving government, civil society, the media, and all citizens to address this escalating issue.

“If we fail to act now, we risk creating a multi-generational crisis where children, parents, and eventually grandparents find themselves living on the streets. That would be a tragedy,” Hon. Irom cautioned.

The Commissioner acknowledged the support of Cross River State’s First Lady, Bishop Eyoanwan Bassey Otu, and Governor Bassey Otu, recognizing them as “champions of the People First agenda” for their commitment to tackling the street children’s crisis.

In a heartfelt message to families, Hon. Irom urged parents and guardians to take responsibility for their children and to not blindly follow religious leaders who promote harmful practices.

“Many of these children end up on the streets because they are labeled witches by self-proclaimed pastors. Parenting is a sacred duty—we cannot neglect it,” she stated.

Bringing a legal perspective, James Ibor, Principal Counsel at the Basic Rights Counsel Initiative (BRCI), delivered a passionate speech criticizing the government’s failure to enforce the Child Rights Law of 2023 and to provide necessary services for at-risk children.

“Governments are failing these children by not protecting them,” Ibor asserted. “No child willingly chooses life on the streets. They are not witches, criminals, or burdens—they are victims of a systemic failure.

“Evidence shows they can be fully rehabilitated in just two years. The real question is: does the government care enough to take action?”

He stressed that any initiative created without the involvement of the children themselves is destined to fail. “Nothing for them without them,” he insisted.

Jonathan Abang Ugbal, South-South Coordinator of the Take It Back Movement, also addressed the gathering, pointing out that society has neglected its most vulnerable members, leaving children exposed to poverty, exploitation, and apathy.

“Today, these kids beg for help, but if we continue to ignore them, they may stop asking and resort to taking—by force,” Ugbal warned. “The ruling elite must cease exploiting them, and parents need to stop abandoning them.

“Disregarding a child by labeling them a witch is criminal, and we will ensure such parents face justice.”

“A society’s strength is determined by its weakest members. Right now, our weakest are pleading for aid,” Ugbal concluded.

Several street children also shared harrowing personal accounts of their daily struggles.

One described turning to smoking and drugs as a coping mechanism, while a teenage girl spoke of the rampant sexual assaults among girls on the streets, some dying from complications or neglect.

“If not for God, I would have died by now,” she said softly.

The event concluded with a renewed call for inclusion, action, and accountability.

Participants unanimously agreed that without immediate intervention, the crisis involving street children in Cross River State could escalate into a serious social disaster.

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE