Can we do to ourselves what we do to others? – The Story of an Abused 12 Years Old House Help

Faith Nwanja, a 12 years old house help whom is currently in custody of Ezza-South Local Government in Ebonyi State, narrated her experience of the sufferings inflicted on her by her mistress, Mrs Nkechinyere Bartholomew in Onitsha, Anambra state for four years.

According to Faith, her mistress usually inserts stick into her vagina, hit her with wires, iron rods, cut her skin with blade and also tie her down with chains whenever she is going out.

The little girl was taken at the age of 8 from her mother Mrs Ngozi Nwanja through Bartholomew’s mother, who promised her daughter was going to take good care of the girl. Mrs Nwanja said ever since then, she hasn’t been able to see her daughter despite all efforts made.

Mrs Caro Ewa, the Vice Chairman of the council, said the Chairman of the Council, Mr Sunday Ogodo, ordered the arrest of Bartholomew’s mother and brother because they were conniving to shied Bartholomew from arrest.

The police later released them, but detained Bartholomew’s younger sister who stays with them and also brought the victim back to Ebonyi along with her Aunt.

Mrs Ewa stated that, No government will support evil in the society.

Mr Godwin Igwe, Head of Department , Child Development in the state Ministry of Women Affairs and social Development, described the injuries on the victim as real damage.

Igwe appealed to the government, Civil Society Organisation (CSO), philanthropists, International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), the police and public who are interested in Child protection to save children from abuses.

Bartholomew, he said, would be prosecuted to serve as deterrent to others and the victim would be taken to the hospital for medical examination and treatment.

 Nwanja with her mangled arms“We will take steps to stop the trend as its portraying a negative image of the country before the International community,” Igwe said.