The Osun State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has sealed off a privately owned home for children with disabilities in Osogbo, the state capital, over poor conditions and lack of legal registration.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Kehinde Adeleke.
According to the statement, the State Commandant, Dr. Igbalawole Sotiyo, ordered the closure of the facility after it was discovered that the home lacked the necessary infrastructure and approval required to care for children with special needs.
The action followed a tip-off from concerned members of the public, prompting the command to dispatch officers to inspect the facility.
During the operation, the Deputy Commandant of Corps, Oluwafemi Abeere, who led the team, revealed that the children in the home were found to be malnourished and living in deplorable conditions.
“The home was not registered with any relevant authorities, and the overall state of the facility posed a significant risk to the well-being of the children,” Abeere stated.
Further investigations by the corps revealed that the parents and guardians of the children had abandoned them at the facility and ceased all financial support. Repeated attempts to contact the caregivers’ families proved futile as they remained unreachable.
In response, the command has reached out to the Osun State Bureau for Persons with Disabilities for immediate intervention and further necessary action.
While addressing the situation, Commandant Sotiyo urged parents and guardians to carry out proper background checks and assessments before placing their children in care homes.
He emphasized the importance of accountability and the need for diligence in selecting facilities for vulnerable individuals.
He reaffirmed the NSCDC’s commitment to working closely with relevant stakeholders in Osun State to ensure the safety and protection of persons with disabilities.
“This command will not relent in its duty to protect the rights and dignity of every citizen, especially vulnerable members of our society,” he added.
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