An Islamic cleric, identified as Folorunsho Olaoti, has been arrested for allegedly brutalising a 10-year-old boy living with him in the Akerebiata area of Ilorin East Local Government Area, Kwara State.
PUNCH Metro gathered on Sunday that the incident occurred on Thursday, when the cleric allegedly beat the boy mercilessly after accusing him of reporting to his mother that someone had spoken ill of her.
Sources said the Alfa, who is a relative of the boy’s late father, became enraged by the child’s action and subjected him to severe physical assault, leaving him with visible injuries.
Speaking to PUNCH Metro on the incident, on Sunday, the Secretary of the Child Rights Implementation Committee, Kwara State, Antonia Oshiniwe, said she received a distress call from the victim’s uncle and immediately alerted operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, who arrested the suspect on Friday.
“I was informed about the matter by an anonymous source. When I visited the area, I confirmed the incident and reported it immediately to the civil defence corps.
“The child has been rescued and placed under government protection, while the suspect will be charged in court for child abuse.
Oshiniwe advised parents to take full responsibility for their children’s welfare, warning against entrusting them to clerics or guardians who may end up maltreating them.
“Parents should learn to keep their children with them and not hand them over to clerics or guardians who may abuse or mistreat them.”
When contacted on Sunday, the Public Relations Officer of the NSCDC in Kwara State, Ayoola Michael, confirmed the incident, adding that the case was receiving the command’s full attention.
He said, “We have commenced a thorough investigation to ensure justice is served, and our findings will be made public once the process is concluded.”
Meanwhile, the rescued child is said to be receiving medical attention while further legal proceedings against the suspect continue.
Credit: punchng.com
