The victim
A 7-year-old girl who was maltreated and malnourished by her aunt who has been acting as her foster parent has been rescued by the Osun State Ministry of Women, Children and Social Affairs.
The rescue, which was carried out a few days ago in Osogbo, the State capital, was executed by the officials of the ministry, in collaboration with the Osun State Command of the Nigeria Police.
According to the information made available by the Commissioner, Barrister Olabukola Olaboopo, the girl whose name was withheld, was found in a very bad shape.
Olaboopo disclosed that on a visit to her aunt’s residence, it was discovered that the rescued girl was fed once in a week and she was abandoned in the backyard of the house in an environment likened to a refuse dump.
She revealed that the girl was found in a weakened state, adding that she had become skinny, too weak to stand and with broken bones.
While appreciating the Osun State Command of the Nigeria Police for their support and commitment, she assured that the ministry would continue to uphold the rights and protect all children in the state under every circumstance.
She also explained that the state government has taken custody and had promised to shelter, educate, feed and take care of the girl’s health.