News Brief: Parents Defending Pastor Arrested for Child Abuse Need Counselling – NAPTIP NAPTIP Rivers State says parents defending a pastor who flogged children during a “spiritual cleansing” need counselling. The pastor, Ifediorah Joseph, was arrested for abusing minors in a three-day programme involving beatings, pigeon blood, water, and palm fruit. Some parents, claiming they consented to the act, even celebrated at the police station after his arrest. NAPTIP’s Nwamaka Ikediashi stressed that both the children and their parents are victims and that awareness is key to preventing such abuse. #ChildProtection #NAPTIP #EndChildAbuse #RiversState

Cleric & Church Leaders Arrested for Flogging Unclad Children in ‘Spiritual Cleansing’ Ritual The Nigeria Police Force has arrested a pastor and two church leaders after a disturbing viral video showed them flogging unclad children, aged between 5 and 9 years, during a so-called “spiritual cleansing ceremony.” In the footage, the children were beaten multiple times with palm tree leaves on their bare skin, then handed over to a separate group labeled as “cleansed.” Shockingly, this act took place in the presence of their parents, who reportedly approved the ritual. Those arrested include Pastor Ifediorah Joseph, church welfare secretary Promise Nwikegha, and minister Deborah Ohia, according to Akpo Lewis, DPO of Eneka Police Station. The incident has sparked outrage nationwide, with many calling for justice for the children and stronger laws to protect minors from harmful cultural or religious practices. #ChildAbuse #JusticeForChildren #PoliceArrest #StopChildAbuse #HumanRights