The Commissioner of Police for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Adewale Ajao, has issued a directive for the immediate arrest of a woman accused of physically abusing and starving a 14-year-old girl in Abuja. This decisive action follows the circulation of a deeply disturbing video that recently went viral on social media.
In the video, the young girl, identified as Bashariya, recounted her ordeal in Hausa, revealing the extent of the suffering she endured while working as a domestic servant.
The footage, which sparked widespread outrage, clearly shows visible signs of physical abuse, including fresh and healing bruises as well as burn scars on her body.
Bashariya hails from Zamfara State in Nigeria’s northwestern region. She explained that her family was displaced from their home due to persistent attacks by armed bandits.
Seeking safety, her parents relocated to an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in the Gwiwa Eka area. It was from there that she was reportedly taken to Abuja under the promise of being offered a better life and an opportunity to work as a housemaid.
However, contrary to the promises made, the girl alleged that she was subjected to horrific abuse by her guardian. According to her account, she suffered constant beatings, was denied food, and was even burned on multiple occasions. The physical evidence shown in the video corroborates her claims, prompting swift public and official condemnation.
Responding to the outcry, the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, confirmed that Commissioner Ajao had acted immediately upon viewing the video.
She stated that all Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) within the FCT have been instructed to track down the woman responsible and ensure her prompt arrest and prosecution.
Authorities have reiterated their commitment to protecting vulnerable individuals, especially children, from abuse and exploitation. The case is currently under active investigation, and the police have assured the public that justice will be pursued vigorously.