Ondo vows to prosecute man for burning daughter’s genitals

By Boye Oyeyemi

Ondo State Government has vowed to prosecute a man accused of burning his underage daughter’s genitals with a hot pressing iron as punishment for bedwetting in Owo Local Government Area.

Western Post had earlier reported that the suspect, identified as Amos Paul, allegedly used a hot pressing iron to inflict injuries on the child after she reportedly wet the bed.

Reacting to the incident, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Dr. Seun Osamaye, said the government would ensure the suspect faced the full weight of the law. She stressed that the administration of Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa maintains a zero-tolerance policy against child abuse and all forms of violence against children.

According to the commissioner, the incident occurred at Unaun New Site, Upenmen, in Owo, where the father allegedly assaulted the minor, prompting the intervention of security agencies and government officials.

“We will ensure that the perpetrator is prosecuted. Ondo State has zero tolerance for child abuse, assault and every form of violence against children. No offender will be allowed to escape justice,” Osamaye said.

Meanwhile, she commended the Ondo State Commissioner of Police, Felix Ohagwu, for directing the immediate arrest of the suspect through the Divisional Police Officer of Owo A Division, Mr. Iwatan Oluwatobi, after the incident was reported.

She also praised the Olunaun of Unaun-Owo, Chief Olanrewaju Abegunde, members of the Owo Youth Assembly, community leaders, lawmakers, media practitioners and officials of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development for drawing the government’s attention to the case and supporting efforts to secure medical treatment for the victim at the Federal Medical Centre, Owo.

Osamaye further urged residents to promptly report suspected cases of child abuse to the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, assuring the public that every report would receive immediate attention and appropriate legal action. She added, “I commend everyone who acted swiftly to rescue the child and ensure she received urgent medical attention. Their timely intervention helped to protect the victim and advance the course of justice.”