Operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Akwa Ibom have rescued a 12-year-old girl who was allegedly locked up for two years by her father and stepmother on accusations of witchcraft. The girl, Bright Fortune Sunday, was reportedly subjected to inhumane treatment, including deprivation of food, education, and basic hygiene.
The NSCDC spokesperson, SC Friday Ekerete, disclosed that the father, Mr. Ndifreke Sunday Etok (38), and stepmother, Mrs. Victory Fortune Sunday (28), have been arrested on charges of child deprivation and abuse. The rescue followed a complaint from the Ministry of Justice. The father admitted to locking up his daughter, claiming she confessed to being a witch and was responsible for his misfortunes.
The victim recounted her ordeal, stating she was kept in a dilapidated room, fed once every two days, allowed to bathe twice a month, and beaten regularly. She confessed to witchcraft in hopes of stopping the abuse.
NSCDC Commandant Eluwade Eluyemi condemned the act, calling it barbaric and in violation of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees every Nigerian's right to dignity. He reminded the public that Akwa Ibom provides free education up to SS3 and that denying a child education is a crime. The suspects will face prosecution under the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law 2020, which carries penalties of up to two years in prison or a fine of 500,000 naira.
The girl has been handed over to a Gender-Based Violence Shelter for care and rehabilitation, while legal action will be taken against the suspects.
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