The Kaduna State Government has rescued a 7-year-old boy, Abubakar Sani, from the grip of alleged severe abuse inflicted by his father in Lere Local Government Area of the state.
The intervention was carried out by the Ministry for Human Services and Social Development, followed reports that the boy had been allegedly tortured by his father, Sani Maishago.
It was alleged that he had tied up his legs and poured hot water on them for reportedly stealing biscuits.
The Commissioner of the ministry, Hajiya Rabi Salisu, while briefing journalists during a visit to the victim at Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital, revealed that the child’s condition had deteriorated drastically by the time he was brought in.
“By the time the report got to us nine days ago, the boy’s legs were already decaying, infested with maggots.
“The doctors confirmed that amputation was the only option to save his life,” she disclosed.
Salisu further narrated the horrifying ordeal, stating that the father, with assistance from the boy’s stepmother, locked him in a room for over 20 days without proper food or care, worsening his condition.
She confirmed that both the father and the stepmother had been arrested and were in Police custody, vowing that they would be charged to Court upon the conclusion of investigations.
“The Kaduna State Government, through the Child Protection Law, is committed to safeguarding the rights of every child.
“We have zero-tolerance for child abuse, molestation, domestic violence, and any form of assault against women and children,” the commissioner stated.
According to her, justice will be pursued fully to serve as a deterrent to others
Also speaking, the Chief Medical Director of thehospital, Dr Abdulkadir Musa, said the boy’s legs had to be amputated below the knee, leaving him permanently disabled.
He stated that in the future, the only support available would be the provision of artificial limbs to help him regain mobility.
Musa urged parents to understand the limits of disciplinary measures, cautioning, “extreme punishment can lead to tragic and irreversible consequences.”
