Mama save me! there’s a Pedophile behind the Sheep’s clothing

Trying to relax after a long day, I couldn’t help but recall the incident I witnessed earlier today. I only saw this in Nollywood movies but I never imagined I would see such a scene today, only in this case the director and his crew were missing.

I had just got home from work and I realized I forgot my handset in school. There was no way I could leave it till Monday morning, how will l cope throughout the weekend? So with tiredness, I went back to school promising myself I will always try to check my drawer before leaving the office.

On getting to school, it was practically empty, just the security man that was left sitting at his duty post. I walked briskly to the staff room which I shared with two other teachers. I opened the drawer to my table there I found my phone. I picked it and was about locking the door to the office when I heard a sound, I thought a chair fell, meaning a student was upstairs wandering about when he or she was supposed to be home.

So I took the stairs to the second floor to see whoever it was I decide to be quiet in order to catch this wanderer unawares. On getting to the second floor I heard voices from the staff room. It sounded weird so I decided to go closer. “Sir please don’t do this “it was a female voice “why are you acting this way, I cannot hurt you, you will enjoy it.

Keep quiet and let me taste you.” I was shocked the male voice sounded familiar it cannot be who I think it is I thought to myself, I noticed the door was opened so I pushed it open lo and behold I saw my HOD with a junior student he was holding her by the waist and struggling with her skirt zip.

When he saw me at the door, he was shocked and the female student ran away crying. He was sexually harassing her, he could have raped her. She’s not more than age 12. Words fled from me, we stared at each other, I quickly closed the door and left, he has to pay for his crimes I thought to myself as I called my friend who advised me to report to the authorities.

The issue of sexual assault in the society today is gradually becoming a daily news and shocks are no longer expressed on our faces but a deepen sadness we feel within,when we hear the stories. Children, teenagers and youths are sexually harassed daily. A high percentage of persons affected are females. One that has caught my attention is sexual assault of children by Pedophiles.

Pedophiles are people who are sexually attracted to prepubescent children; it is believed to be a mental problem. The issue of Pedophiles used to be a rare case in the African society but today it is gradually becoming a norm. Most Pedophiles pose as trusted individuals in the society; they could be your family friend, teachers, nannies and even relatives.

They start by gaining the child’s trust, making the kids feel they can keep their secrets which make a child vulnerable. Once they are able to make the child depend mentally on them, it is easy for a Pedophile to start touching the child in areas that are not appropriate ie the private areas. Many Pedophiles have often been sexually abused during their young age, they also see a child as an adult or they feel they are still children.

What you can do as a parent, guardian or sibling is to educate your child about sex also tell them about on how to identify Pedophiles. Furthermore, try to be close to your child by paying attention to what he or she says who they relate with and do not dismiss any claims made by the child about anyone who tries to sexually assault him or her because most times the accused are trusted individuals, no child will wake up one morning just to wrongfully accuse anyone of such act.

These days it is not too early educating a child about inappropriate places for people to touch them, even from age 5. For the toddlers, it is advisable to pay close attention to them especially when you have company at home. Also if you have a nanny it is advisable to install a hidden camera at home as you cannot trust people totally.

Finally, try to educate your children about not exposing themselves to pornographic materials and do not appreciate anyone exposing them to it. It is our responsibility to protect, love and provide for our young ones, make your child your best friend and not a housemate.

Let’s see your comments on ways we can avoid sexual assaults on children in our society also feel free to share your experiences too.