Operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Akwa Ibom Command have rescued a 12-year-old girl who was reportedly locked up for two years and subjected to inhumane treatment by her father and stepmother, who accused her of being a witch.
The spokesperson for the corps in the state, SC Friday Ekerete, announced the arrests in a statement, revealing that the father and stepmother are facing charges of child deprivation and abuse.
The arrests occurred on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, in Ikot Ukporo Idoro Village, Ibiono Ibom LGA, following a complaint from the Ministry of Justice regarding the mistreatment of the girl.
The accused, Mr. Ndifreke Sunday Etok, 38, and his wife, Mrs. Victory Fortune Sunday, 28, admitted to locking up the child but claimed they did so because she confessed to being a witch and was responsible for their misfortunes, noting that she would disappear for weeks when released.
The victim, Miss Bright Fortune Sunday, recounted her harrowing experience, stating she was confined in a dilapidated room, denied food and bathing, and subjected to regular beatings from her stepmother. She revealed that she was fed only once every two days, allowed to bathe a maximum of twice a month, and denied an education. She confessed to being a witch in hopes that her parents would stop the abuse