Residents of Andrew Alebe Street in Iyana Ishashi, a Lagos community have appealed to the government and child rights groups to rescue a child being maltreated by her boss.
The abusive woman who is alleged to be a soldier’s wife, was said to have inflicted serious body injuries on the maid, identified as Ulunma, whose poor parents were said to be in Imo State.
The latest abuse on the minor occurred at 10, Andrew Alebe Street, off Okemoro in Iyana Isashi, Ojo, which left the 10-year-old girl with grievous body injuries and fallen teeth.
One Ayo Fatima, who shared the incident on social media, alleged the unnamed woman was a terror in the neighbourhood and usually claimed her husband was a soldier.
Fatima said the case of serial abuse on the minor had been reported at Ishashi Police Division, alleging the cops advised residents to expose the incident so as to attract the attention of relevant government agencies and prevent a murder.
But the army described as unfounded, claims by the woman that her husband was a soldier, urging the police to arrest and prosecute her without delay.
Spokesman for 81 Division, Laolu Daudu, a Lieutenant Colonel, urged the police and National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to wade in urgently to rescue the traumatised child.
He said: “This is a terrible case of child abuse and child molestation. The woman should be brought to book irrespective of whoever her husband is.
‘’Her claims are unfounded as her name, alleged soldier’s name or rank or any other details are not stated.
“More so, soldiers and their families reside in the barracks where there is zero tolerance for such inhuman act.
‘’It seems there is a deliberate attempt to use every opportunity of negative incidences like this to smear the good image of the Nigerian Army, which is uncalled for.
“I wish to implore the media to keep up their good works and not to publish such stories casting unfounded aspersions against members of the military and their families.
“In this particular case, I would advise that attention of the Police, National Human Rights Commission and other relevant agencies be called in immediately in aid of this traumatised child.”
THE NATION