BY Maryam Abdullahi
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) says no less than 106 fathers abandoned their children last year in Gombe state.
Speaking during an interview on Friday, Ali Alola-Alfinti, NHRC spokesperson in Gombe, said the commission received 280 complaints but 106 were on paternal abandonment.
Alola-Alfinti expressed concern over the “increasing cases of child abandonment in the state”, adding that the figure represents 37.9 percent of the total cases treated in 2023.
He said child abandonment usually has a negative impact on the physical, psychological and emotional well-being of children.
“For fathers who abandon their children and wives without food, care and other basic needs, we received 106 cases in 2023, the highest out of other complaints received. It is really a serious cause for worry,” NAN quoted Alola-Alfinti as saying.
“The major reason for such attitude is the economic factor, as many of the fathers blame the situation for their action.
“It is a violation of a child’s right for parents to abandon them. Children have rights to live and be cared for by those who brought them to the world.”
The NHRC spokesperson said children who are neglected by their fathers usually end up at the mercy of others and could pick up attitudes that can negatively affect the society.
He called on stakeholders to collaborate in order to address the situation, adding that the commission is working to improve advocacy at the grassroot level.
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