Operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, Akwa Ibom Command has rescued a 12-year-old girl, Bright Sunday, who was locked up in a dilapidated building and tortured for two years by her father in Ikot Ukporo Idoro village, Ibiono Ibom local government area of the state.
Addressing newsmen in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital on Saturday, the State Commandant of NSCDC, Mr Eluyemi Eluwade, said the victim’s father, Ndifreke Sunday – 38 years and her stepmother, Victory Sunday – 28 years had accused her of being a witch.
He said the rescue and subsequent arrest of the suspects followed a complaint received from the Ministry of Justice.
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.
