A housewife, Rabi Nuhu, from Magama Gumau in Toro Local Government Area of Bauchi State, has been accused of severely burning her five-year-old stepdaughter over repeated bedwetting.
The minor, whose mother died about a year ago, has been living with her father, Mohammed Umar, and his new wife. Residents say the child endured repeated acts of violence in the home before the case came to light.
Kabiru Mohammed Abdulkadir, a local human rights activist, said the abuse had been ongoing for some time. “To prevent further punishment, the father bought her a separate mattress, but the violence continued. The girl later confided in her uncle that her stepmother burnt her private part because she bed-wets frequently,” he said.
The uncle subsequently reported the matter to the police. Abdulkadir added that the suspect often vented frustrations from marital disputes on the child.
Speaking with journalists, the victim’s father, who works with an online television station, confirmed that his wife had repeatedly complained about the girl’s bedwetting. He admitted that he initially believed her explanation that the burns were caused by spilled hot tea.
The Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Mohammed Wakil, confirmed that the incident was reported on September 13, 2025, around 3:00 pm. “The victim sustained burns on her lower abdomen, thighs, and buttocks,” Wakil said.
Wakil added that the Commissioner of Police, Sani Omolori Aliyu, had ordered the immediate arrest of the suspect and directed that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for a thorough investigation.
This incident follows another recent case in the same community where a minor was reportedly burnt over witchcraft allegations, raising concerns about child safety in the area.
