The Kebbi State Police Command has arrested a man and his three wives for allegedly tying up a 10-year-old boy for two years and subjecting him to dehumanising conditions.
The boy, identified as Jibrin Aliyu, was rescued by the National Human Rights Commission after neighbours tipped them off.
According to a situation report by the NHRC, the culprits had been arrested while the boy was receiving treatment at Sir Yahaya Memorial Hospital, Birnin Kebbi.
The report read in part, “His name is Jibrin. He lives in Badariya area, Birnin Kebbi, kebbi State with his father and three step mothers. The poor child lost his mother a few years ago. According to the information gathered, the child had been tied by his father within the father’s premises like a goat, devoid of food and water on the ground that he is mentally retarded.
“Some of the neighbours observed this inhuman treatment and alerted the NHRC Kebbi. Presently the father and his three wives are in police custody at the divisional headquarters in Birnin Kebbi and the innocent boy is receiving treatment at Sir Yahaya Memorial Hospital, Birnin Kebbi.
“The state coordinator, Hamza Wala, has discussed with the Divisional Police Officer handling the case about making arrangement for their arraignment before the Chief Magistrate Court Birnin Kebbi pending the completion of police investigation.
“Furthermore, the boy will be transferred to the Rehabilitation Centre in Jega, Kebbi State for better treatment.”
Meanwhile, Governor Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi State has ordered an investigation into the matter.
The governor’s Coordinator/Senior Special Assistant (New Media), Aliyu Argungu, said this in a statement on Monday.
