Ondo Father Arrested After Allegedly Burning 10-Year-Old Daughter Over Bed-Wetting
A 10-year-old girl in Ondo State is being treated for injuries sustained after her father allegedly beat her with a hot iron for wetting the bed, underscoring the need for safer discipline and enhanced child protection.
The incident reportedly occurred in Upemen Community, Owo Local Government Area. The girl was severely injured and is being treated at the Federal Medical Centre, Owo, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development in Ondo State, Dr Seun Osamaye said.
The commissioner said the state government got involved when the case was reported and the girl’s father was arrested and handed over to the police. Police confirmed the arrest and that an investigation had begun.
The child has had a preliminary surgery and is scheduled to have another surgery that will include a skin graft.
The case is a general safeguarding issue for a child-centred platform: children should not be exposed to violence due to behaviours that are part of childhood development.
Bed-wetting is a common occurrence in childhood and should be treated with patience, understanding and support, not physical punishment.
The medical director of FMC Owo, Dr Adeyinka Aiyeyemi, also advised the parents of the child to receive psychotherapy and psychosocial support as they grapple with the situation of the incident.
Child protection is not solely about what happens when serious harm has already happened. It also involves assisting parents to know about healthy discipline, to understand children’s developmental needs and to ensure that families are aware of where to turn for help.
The girl’s recovery is a top priority as the investigation continues.
Children should be disciplined, not hurt. All children are entitled to care, dignity and protection, regardless of their mistakes or difficulties.
