A man, Amos Paul, has been arrested by detectives of A’ Division in Ondo State Police Command for allegedly using a hot pressing iron to inflict burns in the private part of his 10-year-old daughter (name withheld) over her bed wetting.
The incident, according to information gathered by the Nigerian Tribune, occurred on Sunday, but the man, residing at Upenme via Owo, was arrested on Thursday.
It was learnt that when the report was received, the Divisional Police Officer led a team of detectives to the community to arrest the suspect while the victim was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, Owo, for medical treatment.
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Those who beheld the sight of the burnt private part were reported to have heaped curses on the father over the type of treatment meted out to his biological daughter.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs in the state was said to have taken over the matter on behalf of the state government.
When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, confirmed the story, saying that the case has been transferred to the Gender Unit for further investigation and necessary action in line with established procedures.
The Commissioner of Police, Felix Ohagwu, who condemned the alleged act, described it as “cruel, inhumane and completely unacceptable.”
CP Ohagwu reiterated the Command’s unwavering commitment to protecting children and other vulnerable members of society from all forms of abuse, violence and exploitation, urging members of the public to promptly report cases of child abuse, domestic violence and other related offences to the nearest police station.
He assured that the Command would continue to ensure that offenders are brought to justice.