According to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), at least 106 heads of household have left their families because they are unable to pay the high cost of living in Gombe State, Northeastern Nigeria.
The NHRC revealed the information in Gombe on Saturday and said that, in 2023 alone, 106 fathers neglected their parental duties.
As the cost of food and other essentials continues to rise, more parents will continue to neglect their obligations, according to NHRC spokesperson Ali Alola-Alfinti, who was speaking to journalists.
But as far as he’s concerned, security and other societal issues are getting worse.
The current inflation rate in Nigeria is 28.92%, making essential food items unaffordable for the average person.
For example, the price of a 50 kilogram bag of rice is approximately N46,000. About N8,500 was the price in 2015.
The elimination of the Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), or gasoline, subsidy made matters worse.
Alfinti declared, “It is concerning that more and more fathers are shutting up their parental duties. The idea that a father would flee from his own children should unnerve us all.
The commission received 280 similar complaints in 2023; of these, we have determined that 106 parents have left their families behind or departed their houses.
“When a guy finds himself unable to provide for his family, it is always due to frustration; he believes that his only option is to flee. This kind of pressure is typically accompanied with mental health issues. That is the reason why you may mistake someone for normal at times.
“Of course, the bad state of the country’s economy is partly responsible for the problem; because many householders are frustrated with the cost of living.”
Alfinti issued a warning, pointing out that neglecting one’s obligations violates children’s rights and that abandoned youngsters frequently turn into threats to the community.
Nonetheless, he revealed that the commission would collaborate with pertinent organizations to assist parents in carrying out their parental duties.
