The Rivers State chapter of Response Team on Violence Against Women and Children has issued a stern warning to parents and guardians in the state against giving out their children and wards as maids to individuals who promise them a better life in the city.
The group urged parents and guardians to be vigilant and ensure that their children and wards are not subjected to any form of violence and abuse.
It also called on the public to report any cases of violence against women and children to the appropriate authorities.
The warning was issued by Tombari Dumka-Kote, Coordinator of the Rivers State chapter of the group while speaking at the child dedication and thanksgiving church service of Hon. Batom Sunday, Councilor representing Kegbara Dere Ward 6, in the Gokana Legislative Assembly at the Apostolic Church 1, Kegbara Dere Area.
Dumka-Kote emphasized that children are a gift from God and should not be subjected to any form of violence and abuse. He noted that the Team has been working tirelessly to sensitize the public on the need to avoid acts of violence at all times, irrespective of who is involved.
The Coordinator also informed the congregation that the man who poured hot water on his maid at Agip area of Port Harcourt has been arrested and will face the law.
This, he said, is a clear indication that the Team is committed to ensuring that perpetrators of violence against women and children are brought to justice.
In a related development, the Rivers State Response Team on Violence Against Women & Children has announced the commencement of activities to mark the ’16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence’, starting Monday, November 25th, to December 10th, 2025.
The theme for this year’s 16 Days of Action is: ‘Towards Benjieng +30: Unite to End Violence Against Women and Girls’.
The Team has called on the church to encourage its members to participate in sensitization programmes and talkshops already lined up for the period.
Meanwhile, the Gokana Local Government Council has pledged to support all programmes of the Team during the period, as part of efforts to rid the area of perpetrators of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).