Inside Nigeria
Wicked Father Chains 10-year-old Son over Witchcraft in Akwa Ibom
This is an extreme case of wickedness as a father in Akwa Ibom State ties his son to the stake for allegedly being a wizard. And now the Child’s and Rehabilitation Network (CRARN) and the police are at work to unravel the why a father would commit such a dastardly act with impunity.
Little Ekemini has had a rough time with his father and stepmother in Ikot Udota, Eket, Akwa Ibom State. for the past 18 months.
His situation took a turn for the worst the last eight months when his father began to tie and shackle him then drop him in the backyard sometime without food, persistent beatings and viciously manhandling him.
His appalling condition caught the attention of a CRARN volunteer through a tip-off, and the police was alerted which led to the father’s arrest, unshackling and rescue of the young lad.
The members of the community quickly rushed and bailed out the man who didn’t deny his act of brutality on his child but merely boasted that he has the right to treat his child as his he wished.
Ekemini has complained bitterly about the unrelenting abuse and battering he endures in his family and says he fears for his life.
“I’m concerned that they’ll one day do away with me and nobody will know. Just the way they have been torturing me for a long time, and calling me all kinds of demonic names without help coming from anyone,” Ekemini told the police.
While condemning this reprehensible act of brutality against this child, the CRARN says it will follow up the situation to ensure that the child is safe and out of harm’s way.