Natasha condemns intimidation of mum who flagged graphic storybook

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has defended a woman who claimed she is facing threats after questioning the content of a children’s storybook, describing the situation as disturbing and unacceptable.

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In a post on Facebook on Sunday, the lawmaker said her attention had been drawn to the case of “a distressed woman reportedly being threatened” after raising concerns about a book containing what she described as graphic cruelty.

“My attention has been drawn to a distressed woman reportedly being threatened over concerns she raised about a children’s storybook containing graphic cruelty,” she wrote.

Akpoti-Uduaghan stressed that materials intended for children must be handled with sensitivity, warning against content that could normalise violence.

“Content intended for children must never be distressing, confusing, or inadvertently normalise violence, especially toward animals. Safeguarding young minds is a shared responsibility,” she stated.

She added that parents have the right to question educational materials, while institutions must be open to scrutiny.

“Parents have every right to question and vet the materials their children are exposed to. Likewise, publishers and business owners must remain open to feedback, while the Ministry of Education and its agencies must be proactive in ensuring that all educational materials meet appropriate standards,” she said.

The senator condemned alleged intimidation linked to the case, calling for immediate intervention.

“Threats or intimidation over such concerns are unacceptable. I would appreciate being connected to her immediately so this matter can be properly addressed,” Natasha added.

The development follows a viral video by the mother, who claimed she was forced into hiding after raising concerns about a passage in her child’s book.

According to her, the story described an elderly man punishing a dog by burning its nose with a hot iron for failing to guard meat, a narrative she argued was inappropriate for young readers.

“As a first-time mum, my children are my priority… I read this and came online to ask if this is the kind of book they are reading now. It doesn’t sit well with me,” she said.

The woman said she initially complied with requests to delete her video but alleged that threats persisted.

“They told me to bring it down, and I did immediately… I’m not doing this for trend,” she said.

“Because now, they are threatening me… my family are in danger. Police people have picked some people that are close to me,” she alleged.

She also claimed she received an invitation from authorities but feared it could lead to her arrest.

“They sent me an invitation… I know that that invitation is arrest. I don’t have money for lawyers,” she said.

The mother further expressed disappointment at the response from her child’s school, arguing that the material could negatively influence children.

“This is for my five-year-old child… it is too much. Most children are mischievous, and you are giving them the go-ahead to do what they are doing,” she added.

She appealed for help from the public, particularly legal professionals and parents.

“Nigeria, please help me. I’m crying for help… Lawyers… you guys should please help me,” she said.

The incident has since sparked debate online over content regulation in children’s educational materials, parental rights, and the limits of criticism in the public space.