Housewife Beats, Injures 9-Year-Old Maid

A housewife, Amaka Okeke, at the weekend reportedly physically assaulted a nine-year-old maid identified simply as Mary and inflicted injuries all over her body. The incident occurred at Okutukutu area of Yenagoa, Bayelsa State while the mother of two is being detained at Ekeki Police Station, Yenagoa.

The woman’s husband said his wife was found of beating the girl at the slightest provocation. But, according to him, each time he saw injuries on the girl, Amaka would say Mary fell down. Okeke said the beating this time around was too severe that it could not be hidden.

The man said Mary had just spent about one month with them. According to him, when he asked his wife why she beat Mary this time around, Amaka said it was the work of the devil. A neighbour, who invited the police because of the constant beating, said Amaka was in the habit of beating the girl. The neighbour, who pleaded anonymity, claimed that sometimes Amaka would rub faeces on the girl’s body.

The man said he decided to invite the police this time because the beating was too severe. He said: “We decided to call in the police so that the woman will not kill the girl.” Mary is said to be receiving treatment.

Meanwhile, the state chapter of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) has condemned the assault on Mary. The state FIDA chairperson, Dise Ogbese, called for the full implementation of the Child Rights Act in Bayelsa State. She said:

“The little child is already in protective custody. The woman has been arrested and will soon be prosecuted.” When contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Asinim Boswat, said he was just returning to the state from an assignment. The PPRO said he was yet to be briefed on the incident.

In another development, a woman identified as Imomotimi (surname withheld), was said to have on Thursday last week left her three kids, ran into the streets of Opolo, Yenagao and tore her clothes off. It was learnt that the woman, said to have had a mental illness, was treated before she got married.

But while her husband lives in Ogbia she stays in Yenagoa with the children. Her relations, according to a police source, mobilised and took her to a place where she is receiving treatment. The relations have also taken custody of the children who were initially taken to Ekeki Police Station.