A cleric with the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Oba-Ile, Akure, Roli Moronkeji, has advised parents not to entrust their children or wards to just anyone to avoid child abuse.

She gave the warning at the church’s Social Reformation Department Day on Sunday.

Ms Moronkeji, a deaconess, said that the warning had become necessary because of the rampant stories of paedophiles everywhere.

She cautioned that there could be paedophiles among close relatives, friends, colleagues and neighbours.

She added that private teachers employed to give children and teenagers tutorials at home or elsewhere should be properly screened and monitored.

The deaconess stressed that paedophiles could be found in churches, schools, at home and virtually everywhere.

Ms Moronkeji read from the first book of First Peter, chapter five, verse eight and urged parents to listen to their children and consider their complaints.

“Be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary the devil as a roaring lion, walketh about; seeking whom he may devour.”

Ms Moronkeji also advised parents to regularly observe behavioural changes in their children and to be their best friends.

She also enjoined parents to help their children to build self-esteem and resist any external threat.