The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development in Ogun State, Mrs Adijat Adeleye has vowed that one Temitope Adetanju aged 25 who allegedly burnt the private part of a 12-year-old girl with firewood will be duly prosecuted.
Adeleye disclosed this to our correspondent on Friday while reacting to the viral video of the little girl circulating across WhatsApp platforms on Thursday.
The victim was said to have been brutalised for allegedly stealing biscuits worth N200 and a satchel of Milo worth N150 at Obada, Abeokuta area of Ogun State.
The video captured by some concerned citizens showed the girl explaining how she came about the wounds on her body and private parts.
The victim who said she is from Ijoun in Yewa North Local Government Area of the state disclosed that she was brought to live with Mrs Adetanju who is a friend to her father’s younger sister.
She explained further that her parents live in Ijoun and that her guardian decided to burn her private part with firewood because she stole biscuits.
Speaking with our correspondent, Adeleye who described the incident as very satanic and barbaric said that the suspect had been arrested by the police and will be prosecuted for such callous acts.
She said “The case was brought to my notice on Thursday while on Hajj, but we are on it. I learnt that the woman had been arrested and the girl taken to the hospital.
“The case is in Obada police station, and the girl is being treated at the health centre in Obada too.
“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.”
The Spokesperson of Ogun State Police Command, SP Omolola Odutola confirmed the incident on her X handle
Odutola said, “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 biscuit#200, Milo# 150 Mr Fruit#300.”
