The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development in Ogun State, Mrs. Adijat Adeleye, has vowed that 25-year-old Temitope Adetanju, who allegedly burned the private parts of a 12-year-old girl with firewood, will be duly prosecuted.
Adeleye disclosed this to our correspondent on Friday, reacting to a viral video of the girl circulating on WhatsApp platforms on Thursday.
The victim was reportedly brutalized for allegedly stealing biscuits worth N200 and a satchel of Milo worth N150 in the Obada, Abeokuta area of Ogun State.
The video, captured by concerned citizens, showed the girl explaining how she sustained the wounds on her body and private parts.
The victim, who is from Ijoun in Yewa North Local Government Area, revealed that she was living with Mrs. Adetanju, a friend of her father’s younger sister.
She explained that her guardian burned her private parts with firewood as punishment for stealing biscuits.
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Adeleye, speaking with our correspondent, described the incident as “very satanic and barbaric.”
She confirmed that the suspect had been arrested by the police and would be prosecuted for such callous acts.
“The case was brought to my notice on Thursday while I was on Hajj, but we are on it. I learned that the woman has been arrested and the girl taken to the hospital. The case is in the Obada police station, and the girl is being treated at the health center in Obada as well. This is barbaric and the height of wickedness. I can assure you that the culprit will not go unpunished. The wellness and well-being of all children in Ogun State is our utmost priority as enshrined in the Child Rights Law, and the Governor is totally committed to this. My people will be at the court today where the woman is expected to be arraigned,” Adeleye said.
The spokesperson of the Ogun State Police Command, SP Omolola Odutola, confirmed the incident on her X handle, stating, “On 13th June 2024, one Temitope Adetanju, a 25-year-old woman, has been arrested by DPO Obada Oko in Ogun State for inserting a sizeable firewood into the private part of a 12-year-old for stealing biscuits worth N200, Milo worth N150, and Mr. Fruit worth N300.”
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