OPERATIVES of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Akwa Ibom Command said it has arrested one Ndifreke Sunday (38) and wife Mrs Victory Sunday (28) of Ikot Ukporo Idoro Village in Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area for subjecting their daughter to inhumane treatment for two years.
The State Commandant of NSCDC, Mr Eluyemi Eluwade, who disclosed this to newsmen in Uyo on Saturday, said the suspects were arrested on Tuesday, September 10 following a complaint received from the Ministry of Justice.
Eluwade noted that upon arrest Ndifreke Sunday admitted locking up and torturing her 12-year-old -daughter, Bright Sunday because she had confessed to be a witch, adding that the operatives also rescued the victim
He explained that the arrest for child deprivation and abuse was 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 suspecte 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,” the commandant said.
The NSCDC commandant condemned the act of subjecting young children 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 noted that the girl, has been handed over to Gender Based Violence Shelter Home for care and rehabilitation, while the suspects would be handed over to appropriate prosecuting agency for necessary action.
He added that while narrating her ordeal, the victim, Bright noted that she was kept locked up in a dilapidated room, denied food, bathing and subjected to constant beating from her step mother, Mrs Victory Sunday.
She also noted that she was fed once in two days, allowed to bath only two times in a month and denied education.