It is heartbreaking to hear that a housewife in Plateau State, north-central Nigeria, poured hot water on the children of her husband’s second wife.

Development Diaries reports that the woman, as reported by the Nigerian Tribune, fled the scene after the inhuman treatment.

Reports say that the police have arrested the husband, identified as Abubakar, for interrogation on where his first wife can be located.

This incident is a case of child abuse and must not be handled lightly. The Child Rights Act (CRA), adopted by the government of Platea State, states that every child is entitled to respect for the dignity of his person.

It also states that no child shall be subjected to physical, mental or emotional injury, abuse, neglect or maltreatment,
including sexual abuse; subjected to torture, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment.

According to a national survey by the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), six out of every ten children in Nigeria suffer from one form of violence or another that hurts the lives of the children involved and requires attention.

It is time those in authority took action that is inclusive to end this harmful practice. The Plateau State government must ensure its enforcement.

The police in Plateau State must ensure that the culprit is arrested and brought to justice.

But beyond ensuring the enforcement of the child protection law in the state, the Plateau State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development needs to carry out an awareness campaign across the state to end violence against children.