(3rd R), Edo State Comm. for Women Affairs and Social Dev. Hon. Mrs. Eugenia Abdallah, (C), the rescued Sisters and their elder brother, Torkuma Yawe
From our Bureau Chief, Benin
The Edo State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development has reunited two female teenagers, Elizabeth Yawe, 15, and Anadoh Yawe, 12, with their family after they were rescued from Otuo in Owan East Local Government Area of the State.
The teenagers were on Monday, 24 August, 2026 formally handed over by the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Mrs. Eugenia Abdallah to their elder brother, Torkuma Yawe, and their aunt, Dorothy Yawe, after several weeks in the safe custody and care of the Ministry.
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Daisy Osunde, the director of media in the Ministry made this known in a press release circulated amongst journalists in Benin.
The two girls, who are said to be indigenes of Makurdi, Benue State, had been living in Abuja with their father following the separation of their parents over irreconcilable differences, it was stated.
According to information provided to the Ministry, the girls’ mother who identified herself as Agnes Odafe, but was reportedly known to her former husband’s family as Favour Yawe, allegedly took the children about five years ago to live with a man with whom she was cohabiting.
The children were subsequently left stranded in Otuo and were often seen roaming the streets and at times begging for food, reliable sources were quoted to have said.
It was also alleged that the man they were staying with refused to allow them to remain in his home because they would not attend the same church with him.
Even as he allegedly made attempts to sexually molest them on different occasions, which the girls said to have resisted.
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Their eventual rescue followed the intervention of a concerned indigene of Otuo who assisted the girls in contacting their father after they recalled his telephone number.
The father, upon receiving the call, contacted his younger sister, Dorothy Yawe, who resides in Makurdi.
Dorothy subsequently reached out to Mrs. Ronke Ojeikere of the Society to Heighten Awareness of Women and Children Abuse;(SOTHAWACA), who alerted the Edo State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development about the plight of the children.
Upon receiving the information, the Commissioner, Hon. Eugenia Abdallah, immediately directed that a rescue mission be undertaken to Otuo to ensure the safety and protection of the teenagers.
The children were successfully rescued and taken into the protective custody of the Ministry.
Their mother was also arrested and handed over to the law enforcement authorities for further investigation and necessary action.
Since their rescue, the Ministry has provided them with a safe and supportive environment while efforts were made to trace and verify their family connections and facilitate their reunification with responsible relatives.
Speaking during the handover, Hon. Mrs. Abdallah was quoted to have reassured of the commitment of the Edo State Government, to protecting children and vulnerable persons from abuse, neglect, exploitation and other forms of violence.
She stressed that the Ministry would continue to respond promptly to cases involving children at risk; and work with relevant stakeholders and law enforcement agencies to safeguard the rights and wellbeing of children across the State.
The Commissioner also commended the concerned indigene who first assisted the girls, Ronke Ojeikere of SOTHOWACA for promptly alerting the Ministry, as well as the family members who worked with the authorities to secure the safe return of the children
