By Sandra Kenneth
Officials of the Kwara State Ministry of Social Development have shut down an illegal residential facility in Ilorin, the state capital, and rescued 30 children living on the premises.
The enforcement operation, carried out at the Iranlowo Oluwa Orphanage and Children’s Home, led to the evacuation of boys and girls aged between two and 15 years. The state government confirmed the intervention in a statement issued by the Press Secretary for the Ministry of Social Development, Rasheedat Shodunnke.
According to the ministry, the rescued children were immediately transferred to a government-approved shelter. They are currently undergoing comprehensive medical screenings, nutritional support, and psychosocial counseling while officials assess their individual needs.
The Commissioner for Social Development, Mariam Nnfatima Imam, stated that the operation forms part of broader state measures to eliminate unaccredited care centers and safeguard vulnerable minors from potential neglect and abuse.
“The children are undergoing comprehensive medical screening, nutrition support, and psychosocial counseling, while the ministry is also working on family tracing and reunification, where appropriate,” Imam said.
She added that for children who cannot be safely returned to their families, the state will secure long-term placement in licensed care facilities following thorough assessments and documentation.
In the wake of the closure, the ministry announced plans to intensify state-wide monitoring of child-care centers. To assist the public in identifying legitimate operations, the commissioner directed all fully accredited orphanages and residential homes to prominently display the signpost inscription: “Approved by the Kwara State Government.”
Speaking on the operation, the Ministry’s Director of Social Work, Hamzat Abdulfatah, emphasized that inter-agency coordination remains critical to protecting children across Kwara.
“This intervention has given these children hope and encouraged us to work together,” Abdulfatah noted. “We now understand that if we manage this process properly and follow due process, these children will have the opportunity to live better and more fulfilled lives.”
Rehabilitation efforts and background tracing remain ongoing as authorities determine the long-term care plans for each rescued child.
