The Ondo State Government has reaffirmed its zero-tolerance stance on child abuse, pledging to prosecute a man accused of burning his minor daughter with a hot pressing iron as punishment for bedwetting.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Dr. Seun Osamaye, made the commitment while addressing the case involving the alleged assault, which occurred in Unaun New Site, Upenmen, in Owo Local Government Area of the state.
According to the commissioner, the suspect allegedly inflicted burns on the child's private part with a hot pressing iron, an act she described as "heinous and dastardly."
Dr. Osamaye said the administration of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa would ensure that the suspect is prosecuted in line with the law.
She commended the Commissioner of Police, CP Felix Ohagwu, for his swift response, noting that the Divisional Police Officer of Owo A Division, CSP Iwatan Oluwatobi, promptly arrested the suspect for investigation.
The commissioner also acknowledged the intervention of the Olunaun of Unaun-Owo, Oba Olanrewaju Abegunde, Secretary of the Owo Youth Assembly, Ajibola Omotayo, Director-General of Opomulero Movement, Hon. Olasupo Olakunori, Leader of the House, Owo Local Government, Rt. Hon. Doyin Adeyefa, Councillor Hon. Nike Agbede, media practitioner Maxwell Uwashokan, and officials of the Ministry of Women Affairs for bringing the incident to the government's attention.
She further disclosed that the victim was taken to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Owo, where she is receiving medical treatment under the care of the Ondo State Government.
Dr. Osamaye also appreciated former Special Assistant to the Governor, Mrs. Akinrogbe Omolara, and welfare officers of the ministry for ensuring the child received prompt medical attention.
She urged members of the public to report cases of child abuse promptly to the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, stressing that the state government remains committed to protecting children from all forms of abuse, neglect and violence.