A woman identified as Bassey, has been arrested by the police for allegedly torturing a her 9-year-old Nephew, Promise. The accused who is a mother of four, was said to have inserted a broom stick dipped in pepper into the private part of the victim.

Punch reports that Bassey, was said to have accused the boy who is her nephew of theft in the sum of N2000. In a bid to get him to confess, she decided to take laws into her own hands by carrying out such a heinous act.

Neighbours, who allegedly have constantly been witnessing her continuous abuse of the young lad, alerted the authorities in Iponri division, Lagos.

A neighbour who spoke in anonymity, said:

“Promise is the son of Bassey’s elder sister. His mother brought him to live with her so she could assist him with his education. The boy was formerly in a private public school, but he was withdrawn immediately his mother died. His father is also late. Since that time, she turned him into an errand boy. I have known the boy for three years now and can categorically say that he is always being maltreated. There was a time the guardian beat him up and tortured him with a needle.  She starved  the boy for three days. On another occasion, she sent the boy out of the house in the night and left him outside till daybreak.”

The victim, who had to be hospitalised to get the broom out, has been taken to a government shelter where he is been catered for.

Salami Olubukola, the director of the shelter where Promise is being looked after had this to say:

“It is absolutely shocking how adults mete out extreme punishment to kids for minor offences. How can one justify inserting a stick of broom into the private parts of a boy? What if the broom had broken inside the boy’s private parts? He would have been damaged for life. No matter the offence, adults must learn to control their temper when dealing with children.  I hope she can reflect on her wicked actions and change while in detention.”

She added that the agency would intensify efforts to bring child abuse to a minimal in the state.

The Public Relations Officer (PRO), Dolapo Badmus, confirmed the arrest of the accused and says she has been charged to court.

Photo Credit: Punch