Operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps Akwa Ibom State Command, have rescued a 12-year-old girl, Bright Sunday, who was allegedly locked in a dilapidated building by her father and stepmother in Ikot Ukporo Idoro Village, Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area.
According to The PUNCH, the State Commandant of the NSCDC, Mr. Eluyemi Eluwade, disclosed the rescue during a press briefing in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, on Saturday. According to him, the girl’s father, Ndifreke Sunday, and her stepmother, 28-year-old Mrs. Victory Sunday, were arrested following a tip-off from the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Justice.
“The arrest was made on Tuesday, September 10, after a complaint was lodged by the Ministry of Justice, which revealed that the young girl was being subjected to inhumane treatment by her father and stepmother,” Eluwade stated.
The commandant further explained that the suspects were apprehended under the provisions of Section 10 of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law 2020, which prohibits child deprivation and abuse.
Eluwade added, “The suspects admitted to locking up the girl after she allegedly confessed to being a witch and causing the father’s afflictions. However, regardless of such accusations, no child should be treated in this cruel manner.”
The victim, Bright Sunday, shared her harrowing experience, revealing that she was locked in a dilapidated room, denied food, and regularly beaten by her stepmother. “I was only fed once every two days, allowed to bathe twice a month, and I was not allowed to attend school,” she recounted.
The commandant condemned the treatment as “barbaric, callous, and heinous” and urged parents to refrain from such cruel acts under any pretext. “We will continue to ensure that offenders are brought to justice. The rescued child has been handed over to a Gender-Based Violence Shelter Home for care and rehabilitation.”
Eluwade confirmed that the suspects would face prosecution for their actions.
The NSCDC has reiterated its commitment to protecting vulnerable children from abuse and ensuring that offenders face the full force of the law.
