In the last few years, there has been a sharp rise in domestic violence involving children abandoned by their parents to seek their livelihood with relatives or non-relatives. In fact, Lebanon that recently experienced a manmade disaster that has claimed the lives of more than 150 people was becoming a destination for female human trafficking surprisingly from Kwara State. It seems Kwara State is doing a catch-up game with Edo State that has been notorious for female human trafficking into Italy for the sole aim of prostitution. Whenever I think of these happenings, I am saddened by the fact that in many instances parents are sponsors or encouragers in this inglorious immigration. So, when the story of the blue-eyed young woman and her two daughters started trending due to their abandonment by her husband, I was inundated with empathetic thoughts. The more I researched the causes of this neglect by her husband the more I felt annoyed. As I continue to think about the uniqueness of her blue eyes and that of her two daughters, I remembered the parable of the swine that cannot appreciate jewels. I was also saddened that this genetic wonder was not reported earlier to the appropriate jurisdiction for study and celebration. Notwithstanding, I am glad that Alabi Rukayat, the student who wrote and helped to make the story go viral used her journalistic skill to bring publicity to the plight of this young mother of two.

The Almajiri phenomenon not long ago came into the spotlight because of COVID-19. It got so bad that northern states were repatriating the Almajiris within themselves and smuggling them into southern states by night. At the heart of this phenomenon, is parental irresponsibility which I believe should be criminalized. But before we get to the point of holding parents responsible for this act it will be good to discover the root cause. I have thought about poverty. I have considered religion. And I have deemed illiteracy to be responsible. Yet, none of these can justify or excuse the evil of child abandonment. The reasons are multifaceted, but again parental irresponsibility is the main culprit aided by religious and cultural values. The case of the blue-eyed woman who can still be called a girl is heartbreaking. She is so beautiful with such a rare and admirable biological condition that is worth studying genetically and yet abandoned by her husband and his family. The family system in Nigeria, particularly in northern Nigeria where children abandonment is more rampant needs urgent intervention. The state governments and other stakeholders should intervene in this situation that would only get worse with the increasing poverty and violence in Nigeria. The traditional and religious institutions spearheaded by traditional rulers must make child abandonment in any form illegal and punishable by law. Parents must also scrutinize diligently suitors for their daughters taking the character and financial preparedness of their prospective sons-in-law into consideration. And religious organizations must educate and indoctrinate their members about the evils of child abandonment.

The Child Right Act that was championed by Auntie Nkem of the Tales By Moonlight fame, is yet to be signed into law, ratified or implemented by many northern states. This act should receive urgent attention. The governments of northern states who are no longer talking about the Almajiris must revisit and address the issue of child abandonment in their domain. Non-profit organizations and philanthropic individuals should come to the rescue of Mrs. Risikat Azeez and her children. For starters, she should be given appropriate shelter and encouraged to restart her education whether orthodox or vocational. Her 5-year-old daughter who has not experienced any form of formal education must be enrolled immediately as school resumes. The Kwara State government or the Saraki family can step in as guardians and help to secure their education to the tertiary level. Soon, the irresponsible husband and his family will appear on the radar and accuse the devil for their neglect. Nobody should listen to their lies for now, no matter how convincing. His wife, the blue-eyed beautiful young woman, Risikat should be educated and supported to financial independence to help prevent a reoccurrence. This is to secure herself and her daughters’ future and serve as an example to other irresponsible husbands and families out there.

Ata Ukuta, Editor  – www.towncryyers.com