Thirty children, comprising boys and girls aged between two and 15, have been rescued from Iranlowo Oluwa Orphanage and Children’s Home in Odota, Ilorin, Kwara State.


The children were rescued by the Kwara State Ministry of Social Development following concerns raised by community members about their living conditions at the facility.

 They have since been moved to another facility under the supervision of the ministry, where they are undergoing post-rescue assessment and rehabilitation.

The Commissioner for Social Development, Mariam Imam, said the ministry is assessing the children’s immediate needs, including their health and educational conditions. She added that officials are also working to trace their families and reunite them with relatives where appropriate.

According to her, children who cannot be reunited with their families will be considered for placement in approved care facilities.

The commissioner also directed all orphanages, children’s homes and other child-care institutions operating in Kwara State to register with the ministry.

The Director of Social Work at the ministry, Hamzat Abdulfatah, who participated in the rescue operation, said the intervention had further strengthened collaboration among relevant stakeholders. He expressed optimism that following due process, the rescued children would have the opportunity to live better and more fulfilled lives.