The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) says it has rescued a 14-year-old girl , Bashariyya Usman, who was severely abused by the wife of a high ranking government official in Sokoto State.
NAPTIP said she was subjected to severe abuse, starvation, and exploitation by the woman.
The agency in a press statement signed by its officer, Vincent Adekoye, on Saturday, revealed this.
Bashariyya, it was learnt, was lured to Abuja with promises of domestic work and education, but her nightmare began when she arrived. She was brutally beaten, deprived of food, and subjected to psychological torture. The abuse was taken to a new level when a man was brought in to perform “spiritual” rituals on her, spraying substances that left her with severe burns.
NAPTIP’s Director General, Binta Adamu, speaking about the girl’s ordeal, said, “Bashariyya is exhibiting visible signs of physical abuse, and we can see scars, bruises (both fresh and healed), and burnt marks. She is severely malnourished, dehydrated, and emotionally unstable at the moment. There are indicators of trauma, both physical and psychological, resulting from prolonged abuse and neglect. The alleged perpetrator exploited the vulnerability of an internally displaced family and manipulated the child’s labor under false promises.
“She was allegedly falsely accused, a common tactic used to justify violence and neglect against the vulnerable. The girl’s brutal treatment included physical abuse, starvation, and psychological torment, all under the guise of alleged accusations.
“Having narrowly escaped with her parent from the bandits who invaded their Community in Zamfara State, one would have thought that Bashariya and her family would enjoy relative peace, assistance, and protection from some privileged members of the society; sadly, the reverse is the case for this innocent girl. The suspect preyed on her vulnerability, the perceived impoverished and helpless status of her parent, and further traumatised her, thereby amounting to double jeopardy.
“For clarity, this girl was recruited from Sokoto, transported to Abuja, where she was abused and exploited. Therefore, NAPTIP shall coordinate the prosecution of the suspect, ensuring that justice is served. The Agency is also committed to providing necessary medical, psychological, and rehabilitative support to the girl as she begins her recovery process.
“The young girl’s condition highlights the urgent need for continued vigilance and intervention in cases of child abuse and trafficking in Nigeria. We are deeply committed to protecting the vulnerable and combating all forms of exploitation, including any fabricated and baseless accusations used to justify abuse. We remain resolute in our efforts to ensure justice for Bashariya and to rehabilitate her.
“NAPTIP appreciates the partnership and effort of NACTAL, as led by its National President, Abdulganiyu Abubakar, in this case, and we urged other stakeholders to emulate them” she said.
