The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has commenced investigations into the reported assault and torture of a 10-year-old boy, Stephen Ogbeun, who was pressed with a hot pressing iron.
Reacting to the torture of Master Stephen Ogbeun with a hot pressing iron by his father, Mr. Christopher Ogbeun in Lokoja, Kogi State, the commission’s Executive Secretary, Prof. Bem Angwe condemned the act as “inhumane, barbaric and wicked.”
Ogbeun, the Principal of Government Day Secondary School in Oshokoshoko Community, Lokoja Local Government Area, was alleged to have assaulted his son, after accusing him of destroying documents that gave his school approval to conduct external exams.
“The action of the perpetrators of all forms of violence contradicts Section 34 (1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 which prohibits torture, inhumane and degrading treatment,” he said.
“The Commission will hold a stakeholders meeting to address issues of domestic violence. We enjoin various stakeholders, including community leaders, civil society organisations, the academia and faith-based organisations to collaborate with the commission in this regard.”
Also, in a statement signed by Muhammad Nasir Ladan, the director of public affairs and communications, the commission said it had waded into the matter, as it is “unacceptable in 21st Century Nigeria.”
Huhuonline.com can confirm that the commission is determined to prosecute the case as a deterrent to others in a country where child battering is regarded by majority as a form of instilling discipline in children.
