A man has allegedly assaulted his biological son in the Bulunkutu Tsallake area of Maiduguri, Borno State, sparking public outcry and calls for investigation.
The incident, which reportedly occurred around the Layin Nasiya Clinic axis of the community, left the young boy with visible injuries, according to eyewitnesses.
Residents told our correspondent on Saturday that the suspect, said to be a serving law enforcement officer, was seen repeatedly hitting the boy for reasons yet to be ascertained.
“The boy was crying and bleeding. It was a disturbing scene,” said a witness who pleaded anonymity for safety reasons.
Although the identity of the man has not been officially confirmed, concerned members of the community have urged the relevant authorities to take swift action.
“We are appealing to the police and child protection services to step in immediately. This should not be swept under the carpet,” a resident told our correspondent.
Efforts to reach the Borno State Police Command for comment were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.
Incidents of domestic violence and child abuse continue to generate widespread concern across the country, with rights advocates calling for stricter enforcement of the Child Rights Act.
The Child Rights Act, which was passed into law in 2003, criminalises all forms of abuse against children, including physical assault by parents or guardians.
The matter is expected to attract further scrutiny as residents await a response from authorities.
