12 year old girl locked up, tortured for 2 years, rescued; Parents arrested

Operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Akwa Ibom Command have rescued a 12 year old girl, Bright Sunday, who was locked up in a dilapidated building and tortured for two years by her father.

The State Commandant of NSCDC, Mr. Eluyemi Eluwade, disclosed this to newsmen in Uyo on Saturday.

Eluwade said the victim was subjected to inhumane treatment by her father, Ndifreke Sunday – 38 years and her step mother, Mrs. Victory Sunday – 28 years from Ikot Ukporo Idoro Village in Ibiono Ibom local government area of Akwa Ibom.

He said that the rescue and subsequent arrest of the suspects followed a complaint received from the Ministry of Justice, about the suspect subjecting his daughter to inhumane treatment on the accusation that she was a witch.

He said that the father of the victim and step mother were arrested for child deprivation and abuse in line with Section 10 of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law 2020.

“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 be a witch and responsible for his afflictions,” Eluwade said.

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 step mother.

The victim added that she was fed once in two days, allowed to bath a maximum of twice a month and denied education.

The state commandant condemned the act of subjecting the young girl to inhumane 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 appropriate prosecuting agency for necessary action.