Kaduna boy’s leg to be amputated after father’s hot water punishment

The Kaduna State Government has rescued a 7-year-old boy, Abubakar Sani, from his abusive father, who allegedly tied his legs and poured hot water on them as punishment for stealing biscuits.

The horrific incident, which occurred in Lere Local Government Area, has left the boy’s legs severely damaged, necessitating a double amputation below the knee.

This was disclosed by the Commissioner for Human Services and Social Development, Rabi Salisu, in a statement on Wednesday.

Salisu stated, “The report on the boy came to the ministry about nine days ago, and by then, his legs had already rotted and had maggots coming out, so the advice from the doctors was amputation to save his life.

The commissioner revealed that the father, Sani Tanimi Maishago, and his wife, the boy’s stepmother, locked Abubakar up in a room for over 20 days without proper food.

The Commissioner added that the police in the state have apprehended the father and stepmother, and “they will face charges in court once the investigation is complete.”

Salisu emphasised that the state government has zero tolerance for child abuse, domestic violence, and molestation, stating, “We will make sure that justice is served to serve as a deterrent to others.”

The Chief Medical Director of Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital, Abdulkadir Musa, revealed that Abubakar’s future survival may depend on equipping him with artificial limbs.

He counselled parents to exercise caution and perseverance when punishing their children, warning that “irreversible consequences” can result from excessive punishment.

Meanwhile, the state government has reiterated its commitment to defending children’s rights, with Salisu emphasising that “the social wellbeing of the child is the state’s paramount goal.”

She added that the government would continue to work towards ensuring that justice was served and that children were protected from abuse and exploitation in the state.