The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ondo State command, has arrested two clerics for allegedly brutalising two minors in Owo town, Owo Local Government Area of the state.

The state NSCDC spokesperson, SC Daniel Aidamenbor, said in a statement on Thursday that the Islamic clerics were Adebodun Muideen, 30, of Al-balaagul-mubeen Arabic and Islamic Centre, and Oladejo Musiliu, 35, of Abdullah Arabic and Islamic Centre, Owo.

He explained that the clerics were arrested after acting on a report by a child rights advocate group, Kids and Teen Resource Centre, on Wednesday, January 28.

According to him, the case of an assault and child abuse was reported to the centre by the victims’ class teacher, who noticed multiple injuries on their bodies.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that the children, whose parents are in Osun State, were given to the Alfas to learn the Quran and other Islamic practices while still attending conventional schools.

“One of the victims brought home a Vivo Android phone, of which he could not explain convincingly how he got it.

“During their findings, the other boy was implicated in the act. In order to reprimand them, a heated cutlass was used on their back and buttocks, thereby inflicting a deep wound on them.

“The act is a total violation of the Child Rights Act and the Ondo State Child Protection Law.

“The clerics have made confessional statements, and they will be formally charged and prosecuted for offences bordering on assault and child abuse,” he said.

Mr Aidamenbor also said the state commandant, Oluyemi Ibiloye, had called on religious institutions, parents, and guardians to respect the limits of lawful discipline.

“The commandant has warned parents, guardians, and others to shun any act of violence against children, which constitutes criminal offences punishable under the Nigerian law.

“He commended the prompt action of the executive director of Kids & Teens Resource Centre and urged everyone to be watchful and report cases of child abuse to security agencies,” the spokesperson said.

(NAN)