A 7-year-old Kaduna boy lost both legs after alleged torture by his father and stepmother over stolen biscuits. The boy was scalded, starved, and locked up for 20 days. The Kaduna government intervened, and the accused are now in custody. Authorities pledge justice and child protection reforms.
In a heart-wrenching case of domestic abuse, a 7-year-old boy named Abubakar Sani from Lere Local Government Area of Kaduna State has undergone a double leg amputation after enduring extreme mistreatment by his father and stepmother. Authorities say the boy was allegedly punished for stealing biscuits—a punishment that involved being tied up and scalded with hot water, leading to severe burns and eventual tissue decay.
Kaduna State Commissioner for Human Services and Social Development, Rabi Salisu, confirmed that Abubakar had been locked in a room for over 20 days with little to no food, compounding his suffering. By the time his case was brought to the attention of the ministry, his legs had become infested with maggots, and doctors had no choice but to amputate both limbs below the knees to save his life.
The boy’s father, Sani Tanimi Maishago, and his wife have been arrested and are currently in police custody pending further investigation. The state government has assured the public that they will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
The Chief Medical Director of Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital, Dr. Abdulkadir Musa, emphasized the need for artificial limbs to support Abubakar’s rehabilitation. Commissioner Salisu reiterated the government’s zero-tolerance stance on child abuse and vowed to pursue justice to deter similar acts in the future.
This disturbing incident has sparked outrage, with many Nigerians calling for stricter penalties for child abusers and greater public awareness about children’s rights.
