Operatives from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Akwa Ibom have rescued a 12-year-old girl, Bright Sunday, who was been locked up and tortured for two years by her father. The girl was confined in a dilapidated building in Ikot Ukporo Idoro village, located in the Ibiono Ibom local government area of the state.
In a statement to the press in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, NSCDC Commandant Mr. Eluyemi Eluwade revealed that the girl’s father, Ndifreke Sunday, 38, and her stepmother, Victory Sunday, 28, had accused her of witchcraft.
The rescue operation and subsequent arrests were prompted by a complaint lodged with the Ministry of Justice.
Mr. Eluwade further explained that the arrests were made in accordance with Section 10 of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law 2020, which addresses child deprivation and abuse.
He added that the father of the victim and her stepmother were arrested for child deprivation and abuse in line with Section 10 of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law 2020.
The statement in parts, “The arrest was made on Tuesday, Sept. 10 at Ikot Ukporo Idoro Village in Ibiono Ibom LGA of Akwa Ibom State, following a complaint received from the Ministry of Justice about the suspect subjecting his daughter to inhumane treatment.
“The suspects admitted to locking up the child because she confessed to being a witch and responsible for his afflictions.”
Narrating her ordeal, the victim said she was kept locked up in a dilapidated room, denied food, bathing and subjected to consistent beating from her stepmother.
The victim added that she was fed once in two days, allowed to bathe a maximum of twice a month and denied education.
The state commandant condemned the act of subjecting the young girl to such treatment, describing it as barbaric, callous and heinous.
He warned parents to desist from such acts, under whatever excuse or guise as the agency of government would not relent in apprehending offenders.
The commandant said the girl has been handed over to Gender-Based Violence Shelter Home for care and rehabilitation, while the suspects will be handed over to the appropriate prosecuting agency for necessary action.
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