PRESS RELEASE
September 06, 2023
COPBSMI MOURNS DEATH OF JANET EKWERE, CALLS FOR PROHIBITION OF CHILD LABOUR IN AKWA IBOM STATE, NIGERIA
Coalition of Online Publishers, Bloggers and Social Media Influencers, COPBSMI, has expressed sadness on the demise of 13 year old, Janet Okon Ekwere of Mbiekene in Nsit Ubium local government area of Akwa Ibom State, whose sudden exit is as a result of complicated health challenge suffered from sexual abuse meted on her by two men who are at large.
Recall that about three weeks ago, members of the organization, published news stories on the health challenge faced by Janet Okon Ekwere, which attracted sympathy and financial support from concerned citizens, and she was given initial treatment at Immanuel General Hospital, Eket before her referral by the management of the hospital to University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, UUTH in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
Being briefed on the deteriorating health of the minor, the wife of the Chairman of Nsit Ubium local government area, Mrs Emem Iniobong Orok, who showed empathy and compassion on the girl who lost her mother at a very tender age, sent for her to be given adequate medical attention at UUTH as was recommended by Immanuel General Hospital, and from frequent reports made available to us, she was responding to treatment, not until 1.15am today, September 6, 2023, that we received a distress call from her aunty, Mrs. Aniema, that she has passed on after complaining of pains in her abdomen.
COPBSMI commends the contributory efforts and supports of all concern individuals and groups, who have sacrificed their hard earned money, time, moral support and prayers to resuscitate Janet Okon Ekwere, though all that efforts have been in futility.
COPBSMI condemns in totality the sexual abuse, inhuman treatment and excruciating pains, that the innocent girl has been subjected to by those who supposed to safeguard and defend her from avoidable danger, which has led to her sudden and painful exit.
While we call for the prohibition of child labour and servitude in Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria, we also call on government at all levels and relevant agencies to ensure full implementation of Child Rights Act 2003 to checkmate unwarranted sexual harassment on minor and child labour in the state and county respectively.
Moreover, COPBSMI is ready to work with genuine organizations, government agencies and security operatives, to ensure that all the culprits involved in the death of Janet Okon Ekwere are apprehended, arrested and prosecuted accordingly. We are strongly appealing to the governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno and the Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Olatoye Durosinmi, not to allow this case to sweep under the carpet.
May the soul of Janet Okon Ekwere rest in perfect peace, Amen.
Signed:
Comrade Ubong Creativity David
National President, COPBSMI
Comrade Unwana Assam
Director of Media/Publicity
Mr. Enobong Nsimah
Director of Operations
