From Ifeoma Okoye, Onitsha
The Anambra State Commissioner for Women and Children Affairs, Lady Ndidi Mezue, has rescued a - 6 - year old child, brutalized by her foster mother in Abagana.
The child whose name is Amanda was spotted by a good Samaritan, Miss Loritha Ebere Obelue from Akpu Village, Abagana, who noticed the burnt and severe scars all over body and raised alarm.
The Ministry through the Child's department swung into action and the culprit, a - 39 - year old Agatha Uba from Imo State was arrested and brought to the Ministry for questioning.
Moved by heart wrenching mutilated body, Lady Mezue gave way to tears, rescued her recently as she demanded from the mother why she subjected the child to such inhuman treatment.
Mrs Agatha said her pastor told her that the child was a witch, after years of watching her misbehave and showing signs of witchcraft.
And to deliver her or drive the alleged witchcraft spirit off her, Amanda was handcuffed, beaten and kept indoors some days without food until rescue came her way.
Investigation revealed that the woman, had three other children under her custody with question being asked about how she came about them.
Lady Mezue, who fed and clothed Amanda, has pledged that the Ministry will seek justice for the girl, assuring also that it will always uphold the protection of children from violence and harmful practices.
The Daily Crucible recalls that alleged child - witches and wizzards as well as violence and other forms of cruelty against them are rife in parts of South East and south south geopolitical zones of the country following widespread ignorance and chronic superstitions fueled by some religious leaders and organisations.
And thousands of such children have been victims of such unfounded allegations in that parts of Nigeria with the hapless children routinely tortured and even killed or set ablaze.
No comments:
Post a Comment