Stakeholders at a one-day summit on child sexual aggressors have raised serious concerns over the growing menace of pedophilia in Nigeria and across Africa, calling for urgent collective action to protect children from sexual predators.
The summit, organised by Campaign Against Pedophilia Africa (CAPA), was held on May 22, 2026, at Effortswill Academy, Ejigbo, Lagos, and brought together parents, teachers, students, religious leaders, child rights advocates, and members of the public.
Delivering a paper titled “Pedophilia Threat: The Red Flag,” Mrs. Funmi Ademola described pedophilia as one of the greatest threats confronting children globally, warning that many offenders often disguise themselves as trusted members of society.According to her, pedophiles may appear friendly, caring, religious, educated, and respectable, while secretly targeting vulnerable children for abuse and exploitation.
She explained that pedophilia refers to sexual attraction toward children, particularly minors who have not attained puberty, stressing that the act is morally wrong, socially unacceptable, spiritually dangerous, and punishable under Nigerian law.Mrs. Ademola identified teachers, neighbors, relatives, clergy members, drivers, coaches, family friends, and even online strangers as some of the categories of individuals who may engage in child sexual abuse.
She noted that children between the ages of 3 and 17, especially those between ages 6 and 14, are the most common targets of pedophiles.The speaker further highlighted several factors contributing to pedophilic behavior, including childhood abuse, exposure to pornography, internet influence, drug abuse, poor moral upbringing, peer pressure, and declining societal values.
Speaking on warning signs, Mrs. Ademola said pedophiles often seek unusual closeness with children, buy excessive gifts, encourage secrecy, isolate children from adults, and engage in inappropriate touching or communication.She urged parents and guardians to pay closer attention to children’s emotional and behavioral changes, adding that many cases remain hidden because of fear, stigma, and family silence.
The paper also drew attention to the increasing rate of child sexual abuse cases reported across states including Lagos, Ogun, Rivers, Kano, Kaduna, Delta, Oyo, and the Federal Capital Territory.Mrs. Ademola commended efforts by the Nigerian government and child protection agencies but stressed that stronger enforcement of existing laws was necessary.She referenced laws such as the Child Rights Act (2003), the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act, and provisions within the Criminal and Penal Codes aimed at protecting children against abuse and exploitation.The child rights advocate further called on schools, religious institutions, parents, governments, and the media to intensify awareness campaigns and strengthen child protection systems.According to her, schools must establish child protection policies, religious institutions must monitor workers closely, while parents should educate children about body safety and encourage them to speak out against abuse.
She also warned against the culture of secrecy surrounding child sexual abuse, noting that many families prefer private settlements instead of seeking justice through lawful means.Mrs. Ademola stressed that silence only empowers offenders and prolongs the suffering of victims.On rehabilitation, she explained that victims of child sexual abuse often suffer psychological trauma, depression, low self-esteem, fear, poor academic performance, and social withdrawal, emphasizing the need for counseling, medical care, and emotional support for survivors.She concluded by urging all sectors of society to unite against pedophilia, insisting that every child deserves safety, dignity, protection, and freedom from exploitation.“The fight against pedophilia is a collective responsibility. Silence, ignorance, and fear only help offenders continue their crimes,” she stated.
