The abused child; Rejoice Godswill
• Suspects in police custody
From our news desk, Benin
An 11 year old girl identified as Rejoice Godswill, has been taken into custody by the Edo State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development.
The Ministry intervention follows a disturbing viral video alleging severe abuse of the girl by her own mum, in the New Benin area of the State Capital.
This was contained in a press release circulated amongst journalists in Benin on Wednesday, by the director of media in the Ministry, Daisy Osunde.
The disturbing video said to had been recorded by human rights activist, Comrade Lucky Orukpe, showed the young girl with visible injuries; and her mother, identified as Beauty.
The mum was said to have admitted in the video, to burning part of the child’s buttocks with melted nylon cellophane as punishment for what she described as stubborn behaviour.
Upon receiving the report, the State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. (Mrs.) Eugenia Abdallah, immediately directed the arrest of the child’s mother and stepfather to enable a thorough investigation into the allegations, it was said.
According to the press release, both suspects are currently at the New Benin Divisional Police Station and are expected to be transferred to the Edo State Police Command for further investigation.
Rejoice Godswill (C) in a protective home
While the Ministry has since taken the child into protective custody and is providing her with medical attention, psychosocial support and temporary shelter while investigations continue.
The mother was quoted to have narrated in the viral video, that she carried out the act in the absence of her husband, who was furious when he learned of the incident.
Contrarily, some residents of the neighbourhood reportedly alleged that the child’s stepfather assisted in holding down Rejoice; while the mother inflicted the injuries.
These claims are subject to investigation by the police however, it was stated.
“The child was also observed to have several old injury marks on different parts of her body, raising concerns about possible previous abuse.
“Authorities say these circumstances will form part of the ongoing investigation.”
Commending Comrade Lucky Orukpe for promptly bringing the matter to the attention of the Ministry, Hon. Abdallah praised his continued commitment to the protection of vulnerable persons and other humanitarian causes.
The Commissioner restated the Edo State Government’s zero-tolerance policy on child abuse; warning parents, guardians and caregivers against subjecting children to any form of violence, cruelty or inhumane treatment.
She was quoted to have stressed that every child has the right to live in a safe and protective environment, assuring the public that the Ministry will continue to work closely with the law enforcement agencies to ensure that anyone found culpable is held accountable in accordance with the law.
The Ministry also urged members of the public to promptly report cases of child abuse, neglect or exploitation to the appropriate authorities, emphasizing that protecting children is a collective responsibility.
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