By Praise Chinecherem
A 15-year old boy has allegedly been battered by his step-mother in Obiofia Nnewichi Umuezize in Nnewi North Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The victim was reportedly beaten with iron for drinking left over tea of his half-brother.
His father, identified as Okwudili Ikediobi, was said to have tied his hands and feet to a nearby protector after receiving the report, and was left there for days without food.
Narrating his ordeal, the boy said, “The abuse started when we were taken from Ozubulu Community Children’s Home. I was severely punished because I finished the left over tea of my half-brother which made my step mother to beat me with iron.
“Immediately my father heard what happened, he tied my hands and feet to a nearby protector.
“I was left there for days without food. Even my sister, who usually sneaked in food for me was severely punished by our stepmother.”
On how he was rescued by social workers, the boy said, “while I was wandering about after that my sister assisted me to escape, some people on sighting the wounds on my hands, started questioning me.”
Meanwhile, the victim has been handed over to the Ministry of Women and Social Welfare.
The Commissioner, Mrs. Ify Obinabo who was informed of the development by social workers from Nnewi, directed he be taken to Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital Amaku, Awka for immediate medical medication.
According to the social workers who brought the victim to the ministry, they were alerted by some persons when they saw the victim roaming the street with injuries on hands and feet.
