The Ministry of Social Development in Kwara State has rescued 30 malnourished children from an illegal orphanage and children’s home in Ilorin.

The Commissioner for Social Development, Hajiya Mariam Nnfatima Imam, who led the operation, said the intervention was to safeguard the rights and welfare of the children.

The Press Secretary of the Ministry, Rasheedat Shodunnke confirmed this on Thursday in a statement.

She wrote: “The Kwara State Government has commenced post-rescue assessment and rehabilitation of 30 children rescued from the Iranlowo Oluwa Orphanage and Children’s Home, an unapproved facility in Ilorin, with the children now receiving proper care, medical attention and psychosocial support.

Consequently, the Association of Orphanages and Home Operators in Nigeria (ASOHON) in Kwara has immediately dissociated self from the illegal orphanage, maintaindg that the home was not a registered member of its Association and thus not recognised.

A joint statement by Mrs. Omolehin Christie (chaiperson) and Ayub AbdulGaniy (secretary), said: “ASOHON Kwara State operates only recognized, registered, and approved homes that adhere to the guidelines and regulations of the Kwara State Ministry of Social Development.

“We therefore totally dissociate ourselves from the operations of such illegal home(s) and condemn any act that endangers the welfare and safety of children.

“We remain committed to working with the Ministry to ensure all children in Kwara State are safe and well cared for,” it said.

However, the ministry’s press secretary explained that: “the rescue operation was carried out following the discovery of irregularities and concerns relating to the welfare and living conditions of the children at the facility.”

She further noted that the rescued children between the ages of two and 15, “have been relocated to a government-approved shelter under the supervision of the Ministry of Social Development, where they are receiving care, protection and necessary documentation.”

According to her, the Ministry would assess their immediate needs, evaluate their health and educational conditions, and provide the necessary support for their long-term protection and wellbeing.

She added that: “the children are undergoing comprehensive medical screening, nutrition support and psychosocial counselling, while the Ministry is also working on family tracing and reunification.

“Those who cannot be reunited with their families would be considered for placement in approved care facilities, subject to proper documentation, assessment and follow-up to ensure that their individual needs are adequately addressed,” she explained.