Bauchi: Girl, 7, Fights for Life After Brother’s wife  Burns Her Private Part Over False Cult Allegation

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From Paul Orude, Bauchi

A seven-year-old girl from Magama Gumau community in Toro Local Government Area of Bauchi State is battling for her life after her brother’s wife allegedly burnt her private part with a hot spoon over allegations that she belonged to a cult group.

The Human Rights Coordinator of the Child Protection Network in Toro, Kabiru Abdulkadir, said he received a distress call about the incident and rushed to rescue the victim, who had been kept at home by her guardians without medical attention until her wounds became infected and emitted a foul smell.

He explained that the suspect, identified as Zuwaira Mohammed, ignored the advice of a native doctor who declared the girl innocent of any cult involvement. 

Instead, she allegedly heated a spoon in fire and pressed it against the child’s private part, causing severe injuries.

“The girl’s cries during the night alerted neighbors, and by morning, when they saw her condition, some of them called me for intervention,” Abdulkadir told journalists in Bauchi on Thursday.

He said he rushed the child to Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, Bauchi, where doctors are battling to save her life.

According to Abdulkadir, some members of the family initially tried to cover up the crime and shield the suspect from arrest.

Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer of Bauchi State Command, CSP Ahmed Wakil, said the case was first reported at Toro Division before being transferred to the State Headquarters for proper investigation and prosecution.

“We are aware of the case. Initially, some people wanted to handle it at the community level, but we insisted it must come to the Command. A full statement will be issued as soon as the matter gets to us,” Wakil said