From our Bureau Chief, Benin
A trending video on the social media space showing children in a queue, soaked in the rain and waiting to be served food, with one child visibly shivering, did not happen anywhere in Edo State as poster(s) would want the public to believe.
The Edo State Government through the State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development clarified, that it was a misrepresentation.
The clarification was made in a statement by the Commissioner, Mrs. Eugenia Abdallah and was availed journalists in Benin, on Thursday, 26 March, 2026.
A swift investigation and finding revealed; the incident occurred elsewhere and not in Auchi or anywhere in the State, it was said.
The statement reads:
“The Edo State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development has noted with concern a trending video across social media platforms, depicting young children standing in a queue under the rain while waiting to be served food, with one child visibly shivering.
“Following a prompt and thorough internal investigation, the Ministry wishes to categorically state that the incident did not occur in Auchi or any part of Edo State.
“While unconfirmed reports suggest the video may have originated from another African country, there is no evidence linking the occurrence to Edo State.
“The Ministry strongly condemns the distressing conditions under which the children in the video were subjected.”
Adding; “such actions, regardless of where they occur, are in clear violation of child protection principles and the Child Rights Law, which upholds the dignity, safety, and well-being of every child.
“We use this opportunity to caution individuals and organizations against acts that expose children to harm, neglect, or inhumane treatment.”
As it declared: “the welfare and protection of children must remain paramount at all times!”
While it warned on the dangers of false alert and rumour mongering by members of the public.
“Furthermore, the Ministry urges members of the public to refrain from spreading unverified information capable of causing unnecessary panic or reputational harm to communities and institutions.
“The Ministry also commends the Executive Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, for his unwavering commitment to the protection and welfare of children and vulnerable groups across the State.
“His administration continues to prioritize policies and interventions that safeguard the rights and dignity of every child.
“We equally recognize and appreciate the Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, Edo State, Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Anani, for her sustained advocacy and impactful initiatives in promoting child protection, care, and development.
“Her efforts have continued to strengthen the State’s response to issues affecting children and families.”
Continuing, it was assured; “the Edo State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development remains steadfast in its mandate to protect and promote the rights of children across the State.
“We will continue to monitor, investigate, and take decisive action against any individual or group found to be in violation of child protection laws within our jurisdiction.
“As members of the public are encouraged to report any case(s) of child abuse, neglect, or exploitation to the Ministry through appropriate channels for immediate intervention.“
