The Rivers State chapter of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) has expressed outrage over the horrific abuse of a 14-year-old housemaid who was allegedly burnt with a hot iron by her school principal.
The victim was said to have been reported by her madam to the authorities at Christ Ambassador International Mission School, Eagle Island in Obio-Akpor Local Government Area, where she is schooling, alleging that she stole N30,000.
To extract a confession from the housemaid, the principal of the school used a hot iron on her after flogging her.
In a statement on Wednesday signed by the state Chairperson of NAWOJ, Susan Serekara-Nwikhana and Secretary, Precious Ahiakwo-Ovie, the association expressed shock that such treatment could be meted out on a young girl in contemporary times.
“This is utterly condemnable! What is ₦30,000 compared to a child’s life? We are shocked that in this 21st century, such medieval torture is being meted out to a minor based on mere accusations.
“The mother, pastors, and teachers involved must face the full wrath of the law,” NAWAOJ said.
Read also:
- Rivers NUJ sues for calm as caretaker c’ttee takes charge following botched election
- Rivers NUJ election sparks rivalry among contestants, members
- Rivers NUJ disowns media group, warns against impersonation
The association particularly criticised the religious leaders involved, wondering: “Which God told them it was this girl?
“We have too many pastors in Nigeria spreading confusion rather than truth. This reckless finger-pointing has now endangered a child’s life.”
NAWOJ called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of all the teachers involved in the torture saga and an investigation of the pastor who is behind the false accusation.
The association also demanded a psychological evaluation and support for the traumatised victim and sanctions against the school, including potential license revocation.
