The Ondo State Police Command has arrested a man identified as Paul for allegedly pressing a hot iron on the private part of his 10-year-old daughter as punishment for bed-wetting.
The incident occurred in Upemen Community, Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State, leaving the minor with severe injuries that have required surgery.
The state Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Seun Osamaye, disclosed the development on Tuesday during a visit to the girl at the Federal Medical Centre, Owo, where she is receiving treatment.
Osamaye said the state government intervened immediately after the matter was reported to the ministry, leading to the arrest of the girl’s father and his subsequent handover to the police for prosecution.
She said the girl had already undergone her first surgery but would require another procedure involving skin grafting as part of her continued treatment.
“The Ondo State Government under the leadership of Dr Lucky Aiyedatiwa is committed to the protection and welfare of children,” the commissioner said.
She added that the government would continue to provide the necessary medical and other support to ensure the girl’s recovery.
Osamaye, who led officials of the ministry to the hospital to assess the child’s condition, commended Governor Aiyedatiwa for his intervention and continued interest in the welfare of the victim.
She stressed that the state government would continue to prioritise the safety, dignity and wellbeing of children across Ondo State.
Receiving the commissioner and her delegation, the Medical Director of FMC Owo, Dr Adeyinka Aiyeyemi, commended the state government for supporting the hospital and creating an environment that enables medical personnel to carry out their duties effectively.
Aiyeyemi also recommended psychotherapy for the child’s parents, saying psychosocial support would be necessary to help them address the circumstances surrounding the incident.
He confirmed that the girl would require another skin-grafting procedure as part of her recovery.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, confirmed the arrest and said investigation into the incident had commenced.
Jimoh said detectives from the ‘A’ Division, Owo, responded swiftly after receiving the report, arrested the suspect and took him into custody.
He added that the case had been transferred to the gender unit of the command for discreet investigation and further necessary action in accordance with established procedures.
