From Noah Ebije, Kaduna
The Kaduna State Government, through its Ministry of Human Services and Social Development, has rescued 7-year-old Abubakar Sani, whose father, Sani Tanimi Maishago, allegedly poured hot water on his legs as punishment for stealing biscuits in Lere Local Government Area.
The father reportedly tied Abubakar’s legs before the act and, with the boy’s stepmother, locked him in a room for over 20 days without proper food or care.
Hajiya Rabi Salisu, the Commissioner, visited Abubakar at Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital, where doctors amputated both legs below the knee to save his life.
“The boy’s report came to the ministry about nine days ago, and by then, his legs had already rotted and had maggots coming out,” she said.
The police have arrested Maishago and the stepmother, and Salisu stated they will face court charges upon investigation completion, emphasising the state’s zero-tolerance policy on child abuse. “We will make sure that justice is served to serve as a deterrent to others,” she added.
Dr Abdulkadir Musa, Chief Medical Director of the hospital, noted Abubakar’s legs were unsalvageable, leaving him permanently disabled.
“Perhaps the only thing that can be done to ease his survival is by equipping him with artificial limbs,” he said, urging parents to avoid extreme punishment to prevent irreversible harm.