The Commissioner of Police for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Adewale Ajao, has issued an immediate order for the arrest of a woman accused of subjecting a 14-year-old girl, identified as Bashariya, to severe physical abuse and starvation in Abuja. The directive follows the circulation of a viral video on social media, in which Bashariya, speaking in Hausa, detailed the harrowing abuse she endured while working as a domestic worker. The case has sparked widespread public outrage, prompting swift action from the FCT Police Command to address the allegations and ensure justice.
Bashariya, originally from Zamfara State, was brought to Abuja to work as a maid after her parents fled their hometown due to persistent bandit attacks and sought refuge in an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in the Gwiwa Eka area of the FCT. In the video, she recounted being subjected to extreme mistreatment, including starvation, physical beatings, and burns, with visible bruises and burn marks on her body serving as evidence of the alleged abuse. The graphic nature of her injuries and her emotional narration have fueled calls for accountability and heightened scrutiny of child labor practices in the region.
The FCT Police Command, through its spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, confirmed that Commissioner Ajao has instructed all Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) under his jurisdiction to prioritize the identification and apprehension of the suspect. The police have launched a manhunt to locate the woman, whose identity has not been disclosed pending her arrest, and are working to ensure Bashariya receives immediate protection and support. Authorities have also appealed to the public for any information that could assist in the suspect’s swift capture, emphasizing the need for community cooperation in addressing such cases.
The incident has reignited discussions about the vulnerability of children employed as domestic workers, particularly those from displaced or economically disadvantaged backgrounds. The FCT Police have reiterated their stance against child abuse, urging individuals who employ minors to ensure proper care and treatment. They have also encouraged the public to report any suspected cases of abuse promptly, highlighting that failure to provide adequate care for children in domestic service is both a moral and legal failing.
This case underscores broader systemic issues, including the lack of oversight in informal employment arrangements for minors and the challenges faced by displaced families in Nigeria. Bashariya’s situation, as a child from an IDP camp, reflects the precarious circumstances that often lead to exploitation, with many families relying on child labor to survive economic hardship. The police have vowed to pursue this case diligently, signaling a commitment to combatting child abuse and ensuring perpetrators face the full weight of the law.
As investigations continue, the FCT Police Command has assured the public that updates will be provided as the case progresses. They have also called for stricter adherence to child protection laws and urged community leaders to educate families about the risks of sending children into unregulated domestic work. The arrest of the suspect, when effected, is expected to serve as a deterrent to others who might engage in similar acts of cruelty against vulnerable children.
