The disturbing but often unspoken scourge of sexual abuse and exploitation of female children by paternal figures took centre stage on the airwaves as the National Association of Seadogs, Pyrates Confraternity (NAS/PC), Katamaran Deck, marked the 2025 World Human Rights Day with a hard-hitting radio talk show on Lion 93.9 FM, Ijebu-Imushin.
Held as part of the global commemoration of World Human Rights Day, the live programme was anchored on the theme “Take Action. Uphold Human Rights: The Challenge of Sexual Exploitation of Female Children by Paternal Figures.” It created a sobering but necessary space for frank conversations on a crisis many families would rather keep buried in silence.
A respected legal practitioner and child-rights advocate, Barrister Atinuke Ibidapo-Adebajo, featured as the guest speaker, bringing legal clarity and human empathy to an issue she described as “rampant, deep-rooted and often concealed.” Responding to questions from the studio and callers, she revealed that cases of sexual abuse involving biological fathers, stepfathers, guardians and other paternal figures have continued to rise across Nigeria, according to reports from child protection agencies, human rights organisations and law enforcement units.
She noted that despite the alarming trend, many cases never reach the authorities due to fear, family pressure and threats from perpetrators. According to her, this culture of silence effectively silences female minors and emboldens abusers. She insisted that “the silence must be broken,” stressing the urgent need for stronger legal enforcement, safer reporting mechanisms and increased community vigilance. Barrister Ibidapo-Adebajo further highlighted the severe psychological torture victims endure, calling for tougher legal action against offenders, compulsory counselling for victims, accessible reporting channels, community-based early warning systems and closer collaboration between parents, community leaders and government agencies.
Also speaking on the programme, the Capoon of NAS Katamaran Deck, Comrade Jamal Apena, strongly condemned the growing wave of abuse and reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to human rights advocacy and the protection of vulnerable groups. He described sexual exploitation by paternal figures as a profound betrayal of trust and a grave violation of human dignity. “We as an organisation, use this medium to issue a stern warning to anyone involved in such acts to desist immediately. Be assured that society is watching, the law is tightening, and perpetrators will face the full weight of justice. No child should ever suffer harm from the very people meant to protect them,” he warned.
The programme featured interactive phone-in sessions that allowed listeners to share concerns and personal reflections. One caller poignantly observed that, “What many people fail to understand is that sexual harassment of minors leaves scars that go far beyond the physical. It destroys a victims confidence, steals their innocence, and can affect their mental health for the rest of their lives. As a society, we must stop treating these cases casually; every child deserves protection, justice, and a safe environment to grow.”
The discussion underscored the urgent need for sustained public sensitisation, stronger family support systems and continuous advocacy. As the programme concluded, NAS Katamaran Deck reaffirmed its resolve to work with legal experts, civil society organisations, media partners and government agencies to strengthen safeguards and ensure justice for victims.
The association also reiterated its broader humanitarian commitments, including free medical missions in underserved communities, educational support through scholarships, and advocacy campaigns addressing drug abuse, sexual harassment, domestic violence and child abuse, a reminder that protecting human rights begins with protecting the most vulnerable.
