By Victor Otigbu
AGBOR—The National President, Early Childhood Association of Nigeria, ECAN, Professor Ajike Osanyin has condemned the increasing spate of violence against children, describing it as most unfortunate in today’s world.

Prof. Osanyin made this known during the association’s annual conference held at the College of Education, Agbor, Delta State. According to her, “the country is witnessing an increasing spate of violence against children.

The manifestation of violence is quite disturbing and research has shown that states like Kano, Kaduna, Zamfara, Nassarawa, Plateau, Taraba and Benue in northern Nigeria, and Rivers, Bayelsa, Ebonyi, Anambra, Ogun and Lagos states in the South, are most restive.

“The warning signs for violent behaviour in children which parents and teachers should watch out for include explosive tantrums, physical aggression, fighting, extreme irritability, extreme impulsiveness, intense anger, threats, hurting others, verbal abuse, bullying, use of weapons, cruelty toward animals and vandalising property.

“It is not uncommon for today’s children to witness violence in a variety of ways due to exposure to violence both at home and in the community.”

Speaking at the event, the  Local Organizing Committee Chairperson in Agbor, Dr Olufunke Chenube said: “Violence is a common occurrence and it is disheartening that young children who are innocent and vulnerable are victims of violent practices  of adults who are supposed to care for them and educate them.”

The 7th annual conference should come up with recommendations that will become a working document and template in curbing violent practices against children at home, in schools and other places where rights of children are violated.”