The Honourable Minister of Women Affairs Mrs Dame Pauline Tallen has condemn in strong terms the abuse on minors by their guardians.
The minister stated this in a press statement where she was reacting to the torture and eventual death of an 11 year old girl Margaret in Vom plateau state.
The minister said she is saddaned as a mother and the minister of the women affairs over issues like like this.
Tallen wrote:
“As we strive to stem the tide of heightened violence against children, girls and women. We are daily confronted with reports of unwholesome behaviours by Guardians (men and women) towards their wards; the latest being the current one about the female Microbiologist who tortured her 11-year old maid to the point of death. How can a Mother who is supposed to be the custodian of life be so heartless”?
“I am indeed saddened as a mother and as the Minister of Women Affairs to issue this statement on the young house maid, Margaret who reportedly came to her untimely death as a result of atrocities visited on her by her guardian – Edozie Nwachukwu in Vom, Jos South Local Government Area (LGA). Margaret has reportedly been maltreated by Edozie Nwachukwu, her guardian, who allegedly poured hot water on her buttocks”.
“The little maid reportedly ran to neighbours for help, whilst the good neighbours rushed her to the nearest private hospital and from there to Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH), the young maid died due to loss of too much blood” .
“It is disheartening to say the least, that atrocities of this kind are perpetrated by women guardians not on their own biological children, but on hired helps that are mostly under-aged” .
“And, the act of hiring underaged children as house helps by parents and guardians, I must point out, is ignorance of Child Rights Acts (2003) and condemnable in the strongest terms. You cannot bring forth children that you cannot cater for? Every Nigerian Child under the Act (CRA, 2003) has rights which when violated must be visited with prosecution under the Act in the Court of Law”.
“While our hearts are with the family of the deceased, I have directed the National President of FIDA to ensure that justice is served and the perpetrator brought to book. We cannot continue to condone such unruly behaviors that run contrary to the Laws of the land. Every child deserves a right to life, to education; to quality life and nothing short of this will be tolerated as we work towards ending violence against every citizen particularly Women and Girls”?
Photos of Margaret before her death.
