A deeply disturbing case of child abuse has emerged from Abuja, involving 14-year-old Bashariya, a young girl displaced by the ongoing violence and banditry in Zamfara State.
After fleeing the insecurity in their home state, Bashariya’s parents sought refuge in an internally displaced persons (IDP) camp near Gwiwa Eka, hoping for safety and a better future. However, their daughter’s life took a tragic and horrifying turn when she was hired as a domestic worker by Fauziya, the wife of Barrister Abbakar Zaki, a sitting judge in Sokoto.
Rather than receiving care and protection, Bashariya was reportedly subjected to relentless abuse. According to disturbing video footage and testimonies from her family, Fauziya allegedly starved the teenager, regularly beat her, and at one point subjected her to the horrific act of being bathed with fire. The abuse continued until concerned neighbors intervened and provided emergency help to the traumatized girl.
In a chilling account, Bashariya’s father revealed that Fauziya allegedly boasted about her untouchability, claiming that neither the police nor any authority could act against her or her husband, as they represented “the highest authority.”
When contacted, the spokesperson for the Federal Capital Territory Police Command, SP Josephine Adeh, confirmed that the incident was initially not reported to the police. However, she assured the public that the Commissioner of Police has now directed all Divisional Police Officers to immediately track down and arrest the suspect.
SP Adeh also used the opportunity to caution the public against employing underage children as domestic workers if they are unable to ensure their proper care and wellbeing.
She stated, “The Commissioner strongly advises the public to avoid engaging in any form of child abuse and to refrain from taking responsibility for children they are not equipped to care for. The safety of every child must be a shared responsibility.”
The police urged citizens to remain vigilant and report any cases of abuse or suspicious activity, emphasizing the importance of the “see something, say something” approach to ensure the safety of children across the country.
