The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons has rescued a 16-year-old girl in Abuja after her employer allegedly poured hot water on her in the Gwarinpa area of the Federal Capital Territory.
The agency confirmed in a statement on Friday that the teenager, who hails from Imo State, sustained severe burns and was rushed to a nearby hospital by neighbours before NAPTIP intervened.
According to the statement, the victim had been employed to look after her employer’s three children, including two-month-old twins and a seven-year-old boy, while the employer worked night shifts.
“Reports available to us indicate that the young girl was assaulted with hot water by her employer,” the agency said.
“Alert neighbours quickly intervened, took her for medical attention, and immediately notified NAPTIP. This led to her swift rescue.”
The agency assured that investigations into the incident had begun and vowed that justice would be served. “All persons connected to this barbaric act will face the full weight of the law,” NAPTIP declared.
A neighbour, who witnessed the assault, condemned the act, saying, “It was heartbreaking to see a child in such pain. We could not just fold our hands. That was why we rushed her to the hospital and contacted NAPTIP.”
This case adds to the rising number of domestic violence incidents involving the use of hot water as a weapon.
Human rights advocates have also raised concerns about the exploitation of minors as domestic workers. A women’s rights activist in Abuja, Mrs. Kemi Olalekan, described the act as “inhumane and criminal,” stressing that “no child deserves to be treated this way, regardless of the circumstances.”
The victim is currently receiving treatment, while NAPTIP continues its investigation into the case.
