The Minister of Women Affairs Dame Pauline Tallen, has expressed sadness over the death of an 11-year young house maid, Margaret who reportedly died as a result of domestic violence meted on her by her guardian, female Microbiologist, Edozie Nwachukwu in Vom, Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau state.
In a statement, signed by the Minister, Ms. Edozie Nwachukwu, the victim’s guardian allegedly poured hot water on her maid’s buttocks, forcing her to run to her neighbours for help.
She was later rushed to the nearest private hospital and thereafter to Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH), where the young maid died due to loss of blood.
The Minister decried the incident as disheartening stating that atrocities of this kind perpetrated by women guardians on hired helps that are mostly under-aged was unacceptable.
According to Dame Pauline Tallen, the act of hiring underaged children as house helps by parents and guardians, was against the Child Rights Acts (2003) and condemnable in the strongest terms.
“You cannot bring forth children that you cannot cater for? Every Nigerian Child under the Act (CRA, 2003 has rights which when violated must be visited with prosecution under the Act in the Court of Law.” She said
She further expressed her condolences to the family of the deceased, stating that ministry had directed the National President of FIDA to ensure that justice is served and the perpetrator brought to book.
“We cannot continue to condone such unruly behaviours that run contrary to the Laws of the land. Every child deserves a right to life, to education; to quality life and nothing short of this will be tolerated as we work towards ending violence against every citizen particularly Women and Girls.” She said
