By JENNIFER YARIMA
THE relational gaps many parents create with their children have tragically left vulnerable young people open to exploitation, abuse and violence. This neglect has allowed many to fall prey to sexual violence, child slavery, and forced labour, often with devastating consequences.
A recent, heart-breaking testimony from a repentant cultist laid bare the severe impact of this parental failure, with far-reaching implications for society. Today, the burning question is: why are parents not giving their children the love and attention they need to overcome the many challenges of growing up in an increasingly dangerous world?
Children’s minds are fertile ground, open to whatever influences they are exposed to, and when they are deprived of love and guidance at home, they often turn elsewhere for validation and belonging.
In many cases, those they turn to are individuals seeking to exploit their innocence for sexual, financial, or criminal gain. Sadly, these young people, desperate for love and support, are led into lives of exploitation that strip them of their rights and dignity.
Furthermore, some parents hold the harmful belief that praising their children’s achievements or good behaviour will lead to disobedience. But who, if not the parents, should guide these children and protect them from the dangers of exploitation in today’s world? By withholding praise, love and affection, parents create a vacuum that predators and abusers are all too willing to fill.
One young man (name withheld) shared his painful experience of being drawn into a criminal fraternity. He explained that the absence of love from his parents left him vulnerable to manipulation. “The mere expression of ‘I love you’ from an older person lured me into being recruited as a foot soldier in a dishonest fraternity,” he said. The words he longed to hear from his parents came instead from someone whose goal was to exploit him, leading him down a path of crime and violence.
At an event, titled The Conversation, organised by Jerry Ali and friends at Hwolshe in Jos, Plateau State, young people came together to discuss the societal decay that is evident in the widespread exploitation of youth.
This event provided a platform for survivors of sexual abuse, child exploitation, and substance addiction to share their stories. The lead organiser, Jeremiah, a graduate of Theatre and Film Arts from the University of Jos, explained that he created the platform after witnessing the devastating effects of these issues on young people.
Born on September 21, 1986, Jeremiah’s goal was to give voice to those who had suffered and to empower others to reclaim their lives. It was also an opportunity for both the young and old to share their experiences on social issues such as maturbation, homosexuality, drugs and substance abuse, cultism, etc. It goes without saying that these ills have caused great damage to our society.
People who indulge in these vices are always scared to open up on the challenges they face for fear of fingers being poited at them by members of the society.
“God has helped us through divine leading to host people who have conquered their wounds and injuries of their past lives, to unashamedly share their success stories,” Jeremiah said. “If others found help and shared their success stories, they can trust God for the same in their lives.” The platform’s mission is clear: to give hope to those who feel trapped by their circumstances and to demonstrate that no situation is beyond repair.
Interestingly, one of the most moving testimonies at the event came from a repentant cultist who described his journey into a life of violence, substance abuse and crime. “My initiation took me deep into drugs and substance abuse,” the 30-year-old said. “Beyond belonging to different fraternities, I became the founder of one and initiated many into it. This very act made me become nonchalant and disrespectful to my parents in every ramification. I swore the oath of secrecy, pointed a gun at my father to end his life, left school and became a shadow of myself.” His testimony highlights the catastrophic impact of parental neglect, showing how easily a child can fall into dangerous situations when deprived of love and guidance.
The discussion sessions opened up opportunities for God to recruit armies of former offenders that would do amazing work for Him in the world. It is this end-time army that will restore the glory of the Church and our society at large.
Another survivor, a former street girl, shared her story of being introduced to sexual exploitation and drug abuse while still in secondary school. “ “I was a street girl and at the same time a drug addict. I was introduced to lesbianism too while in secondary school. It was shameful and a disappointment to my family as my own mother did not want to identify with me because of my lifestyle,” she said. “Today, I am not just a mother but a mentor, social worker, engaging in brothel and jungle ministry. Only God could have changed my story from being a mess to a message,” she added.
Her story is a powerful reminder that parental neglect and societal judgement can push young people into lives of exploitation, but also that recovery and redemption are possible with the right support.
One young man shared a painful story of being sexually molested by his sibling under the same roof as his parents, who were completely unaware of the abuse taking place in their home.
“I grew up in a family where parental insensitivity and clueless dealings of their children caused harm to me,” he said. “I was molested at a tender age by my sister in the same house under the same roof with my parents, but they had no idea about this satanic dealing in my life right at home. Having experienced the power of God’s salvation and healing, it became necessary for me to share my victory, knowing fully well that many have been violated and injured somehow but are scared to come out to share their pain for fear of the unknown. I hope my story will inspire someone on the need to voice out.” His story is a stark reminder that many children suffer abuse in silence, even when their abusers live alongside them and that parental neglect allows such atrocities to go unnoticed.
Others spoke of how substance abuse nearly destroyed their lives, leading them into criminal behaviour and robbing them of their future. “Drugs and substance abuse almost brought me to being a nonentity in the society,” one young person said.
“My studies were affected, I was a regular customer at the rehabilitation centre, wasted my parents’ resources. The addiction took me to the point of stealing my parents’ money and selling their personal belongings for drugs. Despite all the love and care shown me by my family, I saw everything as hatred, especially from my mother. I tell you drugs are not the path to go.” His mother, in a desperate attempt to understand and help her son, enrolled in Biblical counselling courses, hoping to find a way to save him from the destructive path he was on.
Another testimony came from a young man whose addiction led him into robbery and nearly to suicide. “The deceitful nature of drugs made me lay my hands on my father,” he confessed. “I was written off completely by the society, but with my eyes, I saw how my mother was fervent in prayers. I am now a new creation as God washed me from the shackles of drugs into a new life.” His story, like those of so many others, demonstrates how substance abuse can strip young people of their dignity and humanity, but also how recovery is possible with love, faith and support.
Across all the testimonies, one theme remained consistent: the absence of parental engagement left these young people vulnerable to exploitation. “My parents were always busy,” many of them lamented. The lack of attention and emotional support opened the door to a range of abuses – sexual exploitation, child labour and substance abuse – that robbed these young people of their freedom and dignity.
The voices heard at The Conversation reflect a broader societal problem. Young people who are victims of drug and sexual abuse, homosexuality and other human rights violations, among others, often remain silent due to the stigma attached to their experiences.
However, their silence does not erase the profound damage caused by these abuses. They need support to rebuild their lives, and society must advocate for their reintegration and protection.
As a society, we must do more than provide education and material comfort to our children. We must build relationships with them, offering the love, attention, and guidance they need to thrive.
This is our first line of defence against the predators who seek to exploit their innocence and vulnerability. Advocacy must focus on creating safe environments where children are nurtured, empowered and protected from all forms of abuse.
The stories shared at The Conversation were not just testimonies of survival – they were a call to action.
As advocates for human rights, we must ensure that the voices of those who have suffered from sexual exploitation, child slavery, and other abuses are heard and supported. By fighting for their rights, we can begin to repair the damage done by neglect and exploitation and create a world where every child is protected, valued and given the chance to succeed.