A man identified as Mr Paul has been handed over to the Ondo State Police Command for allegedly assaulting his 10-year-old daughter over bed-wetting.
The suspect allegedly pressed a hot iron on the girl’s private part as punishment in Upemen Community, Owo Local Government Area of the state.
The state Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Dr Seun Osamaye, disclosed this on Tuesday after visiting the girl at the Federal Medical Centre, Owo, where she is receiving treatment.
Osamaye said the state government acted quickly after the case was reported to the ministry. She said the father was arrested and handed over to the police in Owo for prosecution.
She said, “The Ondo State Government under the leadership of Dr Lucky Aiyedatiwa is committed to the protection and welfare of children, and the minor, whose father assaulted her by pressing hot iron on her private part as punishment for bedwetting, is to undergo a second surgery involving skin grafting at the Federal Medical Centre, Owo.
“She suffered severe injuries after the incident, and the father has been arrested and handed over to the police for prosecution.”
The commissioner, who led a ministry delegation to assess the girl after her first surgery, said the government intervened to provide medical care and other support.
The Medical Director of FMC Owo, Dr Adeyinka Aiyeyemi, praised the government and recommended psychotherapy and psychosocial support for the child’s parents. He also confirmed that another skin-grafting procedure is needed.
Police spokesman, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, confirmed the arrest and said investigation had begun.
“Upon receipt of the information, detectives from ‘A’ Division, Owo, swiftly mobilised to the scene, arrested the suspect without delay and took him into custody.
“The case is being transferred to the gender unit for discreet investigation and further necessary action in line with established procedures.”
