11-Year-Old Girl Rescued From Her Abusive Uncle In Aba (Photos)

In a joint effort by human rights activists and the Abia State Police Command, an 11-year-old girl has been rescued from her allegedly abusive employer in Aba. The operation was led by the Abia State Director of Behind Bars Initiative (BBI), Ochiegbu Marvelous, who revealed that the girl was working as a maid for the suspect, with whom she has no familial relationship.

Ochiegbu Marvelous disclosed the details on Saturday, May 18, 2024, highlighting the jubilation that accompanied the rescue. Surprisingly, the young girl, covered in bruises, insisted her injuries were accidental, claiming she had hit her head on a wall and that her employer had been good to her.

"Yesterday, we succeeded in rescuing the 11-year-old girl reported to be abused in Aba by her employer. But to my greatest surprise, the victim has been crying since yesterday, saying it was an accident," Ochiegbu Marvelous wrote. "She dashed her head on the wall and insists that her employer has been kind to her. Even when we separated them, she still wanted to stay with him."

The employer, maintaining it was an accident, has raised doubts among the rescuers. Marvelous expressed skepticism about the nature of the injuries, pointing out the numerous bruises on the girl's body. He suggested that the girl's denial might be influenced by fear or manipulation.

The rescue operation brought significant relief to the local community, who celebrated the intervention. "You need to see the joy and jubilation in the street as the Abia State BBI team and officers of the Abia State Police Command Abayi Division stormed the location," Marvelous noted. "Everyone was blessing us for rescuing the child."

The girl, originally from Amichi in Nnewi, Anambra State, is set to be reunited with her parents. Marvelous called for the establishment of a rehabilitation center for victims in Abia State to aid in such rescue missions and provide proper care for those affected.

Marvelous extended his gratitude to his team and the police officers involved, especially commending the Division Police Officer (DPO) of Abayi Division and the Officer-in-Charge of Surveillance, Supol Uche, for their dedication and resourcefulness during the rescue.

"Thank you to my team at Behind Bars Human Rights Foundation Abia State Chapter, you guys are wonderful. Special thanks to the DPO Abayi Division Aba and OC Surveillance Abayi Division Supol Uche and his team for making this rescue possible. God bless you all," Marvelous concluded. "Thank you, my boss Harrison Gwamnishu, the DG BBI Nigeria, and everyone supporting BBI Abia State. We are here to serve humanity."