The Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Sabo Police Division, Kaduna State, CSP Olu Arowoshegbe has promised to investigate an alleged case of maltreatment and domestic violence against a 12-year-old housemaid, Rosemary in Ungwan Takama, Maraba Rido Area of the state.
It was learnt that the housemaid has been constantly battered by her boss, Ms Laitu Ahmadu after she accused her of witchcraft.
A concerned neighbour (name withheld) who spoke to The Guardian about the incident said Rosemary has been subjected to all kinds of poor treatment since she was engaged two years ago.
The neighbour said several attempts to caution Ahmadu failed, as she constantly punishes the girl anytime she raises any alarm.
The neighbour said Ahmadu, a spinster, who works with one of the courts in Zaria as a Clerk, brought the girl from Nasarawa State, where she worked to join her in Kaduna.
The neighbour said: “Everybody within this environment knows how hostile Ahmadu is. She accused the girl of witchcraft and beat her every time at the slightest opportunity, especially when the small girl fails to do the house chores.
“She will hit her in the eyes and it got to a point where she also lost her sight.”
When asked whether efforts were made to lodge complaint with the police, the source said: “We haven’t reported her to the police, we are only letting this out now, because we can’t bear the hardship Rosemary is going through.”
When contacted, the DPO of Sabo Police Division, Arowoshegbe said his division would visit the area to investigate the allegations. “We will hold the woman responsible for her actions if our findings indicate the allegations are correct.”
