12-Year-Old Girl Burned with Hot Iron in Jalingo:

 Urgent Calls for Justice and Action to End Child Abuse

A disturbing case of child abuse has come to light in Jalingo, where a 12-year-old girl named Happy Manaseeh was reportedly subjected to severe physical abuse by her guardian, Mrs. Perpetual David. The incident has sparked outrage and a strong call for justice from local advocacy groups and concerned citizens.

Happy, who works as a housemaid for Mrs. David in the Abuja Phase One area of Jalingo, was allegedly burned with a hot iron by her guardian after she gave food belonging to Mrs. David's children to their neighbors without permission. The brutal act has left the young girl with significant injuries, drawing widespread condemnation and calls for immediate legal action.

Olayinka Gabriel Motunrayo the editor in chief of Taraba News announced that a formal petition has been filed with the Commissioner of Police in Taraba State, demanding the arrest of Mrs. Perpetual David. Olayinka emphasized the urgent need to address the issue of child abuse in the state and called for a collective effort to protect vulnerable children.

"This heinous act of violence against a defenseless child cannot be tolerated," Olayinka stated. "We have petitioned the Commissioner of Police to ensure that Mrs. David is brought to justice for her actions. It is imperative that we send a strong message that child abuse and violence against children have no place in Taraba State."

The case has heightened concerns about the safety and well-being of children in the region, with many urging the authorities to take decisive action to prevent such incidents from recurring. The Commissioner of Police is expected to respond to the petition, and the case is likely to draw significant attention from both the public and law enforcement.

In addition to seeking justice for Happy, the incident has sparked a broader conversation about the prevalence of child abuse in Taraba State and the need for stronger protective measures. Advocacy groups are calling for increased awareness, stricter enforcement of child protection laws, and more resources to support victims of abuse.

As the investigation unfolds, there is growing pressure on local authorities to ensure that justice is served and that all necessary steps are taken to protect children from abuse and exploitation. The case of Happy Manaseeh is a stark reminder of the dangers faced by many children in the state and underscores the urgent need for collective action to end child abuse in all its forms.

Taraba: Residents demand justice for 8-year-old boy brutalized by step grandmother

This is the second incident of Child Abuse recorded in the state within a week.

Earlier Residents of Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State are demanding justice for an eight-year-old boy, Julius Chinecherim, who was allegedly brutalized by his step grandmother.

The step grandmother was set to have burnt the boy’s lips after he allegedly misplaced the sum of N500.

The incident which took place last week, in Wukari council, has continued to ignite tension as residents are presently seeking justice for the victim.

Some residents who spoke to Taraba News said the step grandmother who was identified as Ngizi Onwuasoalya, used firewood to destroy the boy’s lips.

Condemning the action of the 42 years old woman, they urged the state government and other child protection organizations and agencies to intervene in the matter.

Confirming the report, the LG chairman, Samaila Dauda, said the authorities have taken swift action in response to the disturbing incident in Wukari, where an eight-year-old boy named Julius Chinecherim suffered severe injuries after his lips were burned by his grandfather’s wife.

According to him, the boy has been receiving medical attention at the Federal University Teaching Hospital in Wukari.

He added that the woman has been arrested and is currently in detention, waiting to be charged to court.

“It is true that an eight year old boy by name Julius Chinecherim’s lips were burnt by his grandfather’s wife. I quickly ordered for her arrest and the boy has been receiving treatment in the Federal University Teaching Hospital Wukari.

“As for the woman she is currently under detention and is to be charged to court soon by the grace of God,” the LG chairman said.

Community leaders and residents who are currently calling for justice, expressed relief at the swift response by the authorities.