Nollywood actress Mercy Aigbe has voiced raw anger and deep heartbreak over the disturbing case of an eight-year-old girl allegedly exploited by her own mother for online content and financial gain.
As written in her Instagram post, Aigbe wrote: “I am honestly livid and heartbroken by some of the things I have been seeing online lately involving children. A child is not content. A child is not a means to make money, gain followers, receive gifts or get likes.”
The statement comes after the arrest of 36-year-old Anulika Onyeanusia in Onitsha, Anambra State.
Police rescued four children aged between two and nine following the circulation of videos that allegedly showed the woman sexually abusing the eight-year-old girl with sex toys and uploading the material for profit.
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She reportedly told investigators that $300 was the highest amount she earned from the content. The case also prompted Lere Olayinka to call for a ban or strict regulation of TikTok.
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Aigbe stressed the vulnerability of children and the duty of adults to protect them.
“Our children are vulnerable, and they depend on us to protect them. As parents, guardians and adults, we have a responsibility to put their safety, dignity and wellbeing above everything else. No amount of money, attention or social-media validation is worth sacrificing a child’s innocence.”
She ended with a clear call to action: “Please, let’s do better. Protect the children. They deserve better from us.”
