A 12-year-old girl has been left with a permanently deformed finger after members of a family she lived with allegedly subjected her to severe punishment over a missing N500.
The incident reportedly happened months ago after the girl, whose parents lived in a village, was sent to stay with the family in town.
According to a doctor, Tortiv Samuel Msev, who treated the child, the family accused her of stealing the money before allegedly burning her index finger as punishment.
Msev said the injury was not properly treated, while the girl was allegedly made to continue with household chores despite the worsening condition of her finger.
The child was eventually taken to an emergency paediatric unit by a middle-aged female police officer about 10 days after she suffered the burn.
The doctor said neighbours intervened after witnessing the girl’s condition, leading to the involvement of the police.
He added that the allegation against the child was later found to be false after a member of the family reportedly admitted to the police that they were responsible for taking the money.
Reflecting on the case, Msev said the incident had remained deeply troubling to him, particularly because the child was placed in the care of adults who were expected to protect her.
He expressed concern that the girl would have to live with both the physical injury and emotional trauma caused by the abuse.
The doctor said the permanent deformity would serve as a painful reminder of the failure of the adults around her to provide the protection and care she deserved.
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