TheCable

The Leadership of the Unity Schools Old Students Association (USOSA), an umbrella body for all unity schools across the country, has demanded the prosecution of all those involved in the abuse of students of Federal Government Girls College (FGGC), Langtang, Plateau state.

TheCable had done an undercover investigation that exposed how security guards employed to protect students pimp the girls to strangers.

One guard had given an insight into how he organises “runs” for the teenagers for a fee, and how this is a common practice.

Reacting to this, UOSA appealed to the appropriate authorities to take action.

Odinkalu also spoke about the role that the association played after receiving different complaints Federal Government Colleges.

“Sometime in the past year, the Leadership of the Unity Schools Old Students Association (USOSA), received credible allegations of abuse of female students in some of our Unity schools,” read the statement signed by Chidi Odinkalu, president-general of the association.

“Allegations that male teachers had impregnated female students were not uncommon. In a few cases, the teachers allegedly lost their jobs or were transferred to other schools.

“One of the most serious cases alleged the commercial traffic of female learners for sexual purposes in a Unity School.

“The allegations merited serious attention. Reflecting the seriousness of the issue and the lessons of previous experience with similar allegations and following consultations with appropriate persons and entities, we believed it was important to secure credible attestation of these allegations.

“For this purpose, USOSA as a network collaborated with a public interest investigative journalism Trust in an undercover investigation of the allegations. In doing this, our only desire is to protect the best interests of the children in these schools.

“The findings are beyond troubling. As an organisation, USOSA is committed to defending the integrity of the environment of ethics in which children learn in our schools.

“Following from this investigation, we are seeking the attention of appropriate authorities in education, law enforcement and child welfare at federal and state levels.

“Any and all persons implicated in this conduct should face the full weight of the law. The time is overdue to accord address seriously the epidemic of sex abuse and sexual exploitation of children in our schools with seriousness. USOSA stands ready to provide constructive partnership to government in addressing this crisis urgently.”