An Islamic cleric, identified as Folorunsho Olaoti, has been taken into custody for allegedly assaulting a 10-year-old boy living under his care in the Akerebiata area of Ilorin East Local Government Area, Kwara State.
Reports indicated that the incident occurred on Thursday, when the cleric allegedly subjected the boy to severe beating after accusing him of informing his mother that someone had spoken negatively about her.
Sources revealed that the Alfa, who is said to be a relative of the boy’s late father, became furious over the child’s action and inflicted multiple injuries on him through the assault.
Speaking on the development, the Secretary of the Child Rights Implementation Committee in Kwara State, Antonia Oshiniwe, said she received a distress call from the victim’s uncle and immediately contacted operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), leading to the suspect’s arrest on Friday.
“I was informed about the matter by an anonymous source. When I visited the area, I confirmed the incident and reported it immediately to the civil defence corps.
“The child has been rescued and placed under government protection, while the suspect will be charged in court for child abuse.”
Oshiniwe urged parents to take personal responsibility for their children’s welfare and cautioned against leaving them in the care of clerics or guardians who may mistreat them.
“Parents should learn to keep their children with them and not hand them over to clerics or guardians who may abuse or mistreat them.”
When contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the NSCDC in Kwara State, Ayoola Michael, confirmed the incident and stated that the command was giving the matter full attention.
He said, “We have commenced a thorough investigation to ensure justice is served, and our findings will be made public once the process is concluded.”
Meanwhile, the rescued child is currently receiving medical treatment as further legal proceedings against the suspect continue.
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