Richard Ginika Izuora
A 12-year-old girl identified as Esther has been rescued by residents of Akowonjo, Egebda after she was seen eating from the dustbin and bathing with water from the gutter.
Esther has narrated her ordeal in the hands of her mistress, who bought her from suspected human traffickers for N15,000.
She was rescued by officials of the Human Initiative for the Downtrodden, as well as Honeybols Foundation after residents of Williams Estate, Akowonjo, Egbeda placed a distress call to the NGOs.
According to HID president, Comrade Kenpeacemaker Onoja, residents said the young girl was often seen eating from the dustbin as well as bathing with water from the gutter.
Esther, who is currently recuperating in a NAPTIP shelter said she was constantly starved, beaten with belt and also cable by her mistress.
“Mummy beats me with a cane and any other thing she sees.
She gives me food sometimes and I pick food sometimes from the dustbin.
She beats me most times when she complains about how I sweep the floor. She tells me I don’t sweep well.”
When asked why she was usually seen bathing outside with water from the gutter, she said her madam had directed her to get herself cleaned outside the compound and not inside the bathroom.
The human trafficking syndicate that sold the child to the woman have been arrested by the Police; while the young girl was immediately given medical attention; and has been taken to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for shelter.
“Omolola Adepekun and one other person who simply identified herself as Modupe have been arrested; in connection with the case of child trafficking; abuse; and slavery of the 12-year-old girl child, Esther,” the statement says.
“Following the arrest of Mrs Makinde Ajoke over the matter; she has mentioned the names of two women.
Mrs Makinde’s confessions led to the arrest of the women.
Police investigation continues at the Lagos State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department, Panti.
“Police officers from Panti have visited the girl for further investigation.”