Child ‘Wizardry’: Outrage in Ughelli as Nigerian Man Brands Son With Hot Iron

A father of five, Austin Segun, who tied his 13-year-old son to a burglar-proof for 3 days after branding him with a hot iron has been given an ultimatum to leave Eruemukohwarien community, Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State.

The victim, Tobi Segun, who just finished his Primary 6 School Leaving Certificate exams, was rescued by a group of vigilante, who heard him whimpering at about 2a.m during their routine night patrol.

Confirming the incident to Vanguard, the victim’s step-mother, Mrs. Edijala Favour Segun said they were told that Tobi is a wizard at a Church they went to for prayers and he also admitted that he is a wizard.

“At a point, my husband had to use a hot iron to burn his palm and feet owing to his mis-behaviour. Despite this, he opened the fridge in the house and ate everything. This led to my husband tying his hands and legs to the protector.

He had just been tied for three days before we were arrested. On that day, our landlord called us on the phone that we should come back to the house. On getting home, we were faced with a crowd that started hitting my husband and me.

After some minutes, the Police came and arrested my husband, while I was asked to take Tobi to the Ughelli Central Hospital for treatment. My husband was able to secure his release, but the IPO in charge of the case ordered that we should move out of the community.”

Tobi revealed that he has always been maltreated by his parents and he always ran away from the house because he is not comfortable. He added that his mother was dead and the woman, Mrs Edijala Favour is a step-mom.

It was revealed that one of the vigilante members rescued the victim They heard the faint cry of the boy saying he wants to die and that he can no longer bear the torture.

It is only heartless for a father to do such wicked thing to his ow child because he was told the child posses evil powers. A true father would only think of getting his child to be vindicated rather than subjecting him to pain.

For the good of our children, if you notice or is aware of any case of a child who is currently been mistreated either by a parent, guardian or any personality, please kindly report the case to the government. Let’s protect our children.

Photo credit: Vanguard