Bright Sunday, a 12-year-old girl, has been rescued by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) agents from Akwa Ibom State Command, News About Nigeria reports.
The child was reportedly imprisoned in a dilapidated structure by her father, Ndifreke Sunday, and her 28-year-old stepmother, Victory Sunday.
The rescue operation was disclosed on Saturday in Uyo by Eluyemi Eluwade, the State Commandant of the NSCDC.
Eluwade detailed that the State Ministry of Justice had flagged the case, prompting the NSCDC to intervene.
According to Eluwade, the suspects were apprehended on Tuesday, September 10, at their residence in Ikot Ukporo Idoro Village, Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area.
The complaint against them included allegations of child abuse and deprivation, as outlined under Section 10 of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law 2020.
The commandant reported that the suspects admitted to confining the girl after she allegedly confessed to being a witch responsible for their misfortunes.
Eluwade condemned the act as barbaric and promised that the victim would be placed in the Gender-Based Violence Shelter Home for appropriate care and rehabilitation.
Eluwade warned against such abusive practices and said that the government would continue to take legal action against violators.
The suspects are set to be handed over to the appropriate prosecution team for further legal proceedings.
In a separate case, Ngozi Onwuasoalya, a 42-year-old housewife in Taraba State, has been arrested by the police for allegedly setting her eight-year-old step-grandson, Julius Chinecherim’s lips on fire.
Acting police spokesperson Gambo Kwache confirmed the arrest and stated that the Wukari division is handling the case, with further investigations being conducted by the criminal investigation department.
