Kwara Orphanages Deny Unregistered Home Where 30 Children Were Rescued

The Association of Orphanages and Home Operators in Nigeria, Kwara State chapter, has dissociated itself from the Iranlowo Oluwa Orphanage and Children’s Home, an unapproved facility where 30 children were rescued in Ilorin.

ASOHON said the facility was neither a registered member of the association nor known to it, stressing that its members operate homes recognised and approved by the Kwara State Government.

The statement was signed by Chairman Omolehin Christie and Secretary Ayub AbdulGaniy after the rescue by ministry officials.

The ministry rescued 30 children, comprising boys and girls aged between two and 15, from the facility on Thursday.

ASOHON condemned unapproved homes and said it would continue working with the ministry to ensure compliance with childcare regulations.

It commended Commissioner Mariam Nnfatima Imam and ministry officials for intervening and prioritising the children’s welfare.

Following the rescue, the children were transferred to a government-approved shelter, where they are receiving medical attention, food and psychosocial support.

The ministry said it had begun assessing their health, educational needs and general welfare while efforts were being made to establish their backgrounds and trace their families.

The children are undergoing medical screening, nutrition support and psychosocial counselling, according to the commissioner.

Officials are also working on family tracing and reunification where appropriate. Children who cannot safely return to their families may be placed in approved care facilities after proper documentation and assessment.

The ministry has directed operators of orphanages, children’s homes and other childcare institutions across Kwara to ensure their facilities are duly registered and approved.

Approved facilities have also been directed to display the inscription “Approved by the Kwara State Government” on their signposts, allowing the public to identify authorised homes.

Director of Social Work Hamzat Abdulfatah said the intervention highlighted the need for stronger cooperation in child protection across Kwara State and beyond effectively.

The rescue has renewed attention on regulation of private childcare facilities and the need to ensure vulnerable children are kept in safe environments.

Authorities are expected to continue assessing the rescued children and determining appropriate long-term arrangements.

The government has urged operators and members of the public to report unapproved childcare facilities to the appropriate authorities.