BY CHUWANG DUNGS
A 12-year-old housemaid, Happy Manasseh, is battling burns her boss, one Perpetual David, allegedly inflicted on her lap with a hot electric iron.
The ugly incident happened on Monday in Jalingo, the Taraba State capital.
Happy, who lived with Mrs David and her husband in Abuja phase one, Jalingo, was hired to the couple by her parents to serve as housemaid.
DAYLIGHTREPORTERS learnt that Miss Manasseh, was allegedly burnt for giving food meant for Perpetual’s children to one of their neighbours without permission.
Our correspondent gathered that the woman left Happy groaning with pains, and refused to treat the injuries she sustained.
A Good Samaritan in the neighbourhood who heard of the incident was said to have alerted the Police and the Woman was arrested on Tuesday.
The editor in chief of Taraba News, Olayinka Gebriel, in a petition he submitted to the state Commissioner of Police, David Iloyanomon, demanded justice for the teenage girl.
“This heinous act of violence against a defenseless child cannot be tolerated. We have petitioned the Commissioner of Police to ensure that Mrs. David is brought to justice for her actions. It is imperative that we send a strong message that child abuse and violence against children have no place in Taraba State.” Gabriel said.
He said the petition is geared towards ensuring the safety and well-being of children spread across the state.
Mr Olayinka also called on the Commissioner for Social Justice and Integration, and that of Women Affairs, as well as the first Lady of the state to intervene urgently.
“This is another heartbreaking instance of child abuse in our community,” a local activist identified as Innocent Bala, stated.
“We must come together to put an end to violence against children and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
“There is the need for stronger protective measures for children and more rigorous enforcement of child welfare laws in the North-East geopolitical zone, particularly in Taraba.” He said
The State acting Spokesperson of the Taraba State Police Command, Gambo Kwache confirmed the arrest and arraignment of the culprit to DAYLIGHTREPORTERS on Friday.
She said, “We have arrested and arraigned the suspect and the case is in court.”
Recall last week a Woman was arrested in the state for burning the lips of her 8-year old step grandson.
