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The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has successfully rescued a 16-year-old girl from abusive conditions in Gwarinpa, Abuja, after reports emerged that her employer allegedly poured hot water on her. The teenager, who was employed as a domestic worker, was reportedly caring for her employer’s children when the incident occurred.
According to a statement shared on its official Facebook page on Friday, NAPTIP revealed that the rescue operation was triggered by the swift action of concerned neighbors who witnessed the abuse. The neighbors immediately intervened, rushing the girl to a hospital for medical attention and notifying NAPTIP authorities.
“The victim, who hails from Imo State and comes from a family of 12, had been caring for her employer’s three children, including two-month-old twins and a seven-year-old boy, while the employer worked at night,” the agency’s statement said.
Details from the statement indicated that the girl suffered serious burns after being scalded with hot water. The incident reportedly took place while she was attending to her daily domestic duties, raising concerns about the welfare and protection of children employed as domestic workers in households across the country.
“Reports indicate that the girl was scalded with hot water by her employer,” NAPTIP said. “Alert neighbours quickly rushed her to a hospital and immediately contacted NAPTIP, prompting a swift rescue operation.”
The agency confirmed that it has commenced a full-scale investigation into the incident to ensure that justice is served. “All individuals involved in this heinous act will face the full weight of the law,” NAPTIP emphasized, underscoring its commitment to protecting vulnerable persons from exploitation and abuse.
Child domestic workers remain a particularly vulnerable group in Nigeria, often exposed to exploitation, long working hours, and physical abuse. NAPTIP has in recent years intensified efforts to combat human trafficking and child labor, particularly within domestic settings. The agency’s spokesperson reiterated that community vigilance plays a critical role in preventing abuse. In this case, the timely action of neighbors was instrumental in saving the girl’s life and bringing the incident to the attention of authorities.
While the rescued teenager receives medical care, NAPTIP is working to provide her with the necessary psychological and social support to recover from the trauma. Experts stress that beyond the physical harm, victims of such abuse often face long-term emotional and psychological challenges that require intervention from trained professionals.
This latest case highlights ongoing concerns about the treatment of domestic workers in the country and the need for stricter enforcement of labor and child protection laws. NAPTIP continues to urge the public to report any cases of abuse or exploitation, reinforcing that community involvement is crucial in curbing human trafficking and child abuse.
The agency concluded its statement by assuring the public that perpetrators of such cruel acts will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, signaling a zero-tolerance stance against abuse of domestic workers, especially minors.
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#Naptip
#HotwaterAttack
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