Operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Akwa Ibom have rescued a 12 year old girl who was locked up for 2 years and subjected to inhumane treatment by her father.
The child is accused of being a witch, while the father and stepmother have been arrested for child deprivation and abuse in Uyo.
According to the survivor, Bright Sunday , she was kept in a dilapidated room, denied food, water and subjected to consistent beating from her step mother.
She revealed being fed once in two days, allowed to bath twice a month and denied education.
Ms Sunday added that she had to confess being a witch so that the parents can stop beating her.
The suspect, Mr Ndifreke Sunday Etok and his wife, who is Ms Bright Sunday’s step mother admitted locking her up but added that they did it because she confessed being a witch.
The NSCDC Comandant, Eluwade Eluyemi has condemed the act. He says it contravenes the right to dignity of every Nigerian.
He drew attention of the public to Sections 10 of the VAPP LAW 2020 which states that, a person who denies another person of their freedom by locking them up, hiding or isolating them etc without the permission of the court has committed an offense and he/she will go to prison for 2years or pay a fine of 500,000 naira or both.
Ms Bright sunday has been handed over to the Gender Based Violence Shelter Home for care and rehabilitation, while the suspects have been handed over to appropriate prosecuting agency for necessary action.
The suspects were arrested at Ikot Ukporo Idoro Village in Ibiono Ibom LGA of Akwa Ibom State.
