Police Rescue 15-Year-Old Girl Allegedly Locked in Rivers Toilet
A 15-year-old girl who was allegedly kept in a toilet for weeks at the residence where she was employed as a house help in Abuloma, Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, Rivers State has been rescued by the police.
The teenager, who hails from Ebonyi State, was rescued on Monday 14th September when the landlord noticed that she had not been seen outside the residence for some time.
The landlord informed the police about the girl’s prolonged absence, which led to the arrest of the suspect.The police were alerted by the landlord who was suspicious of the girl’s prolonged absence. The Abuloma Police Division officers then went to the house and discovered her in the toilet.
Assistant Superintendent of Police, Blessing Agabe, who confirmed the incident, said the girl was living with the couple as their house help.
Local reports said the teenager was locked up for weeks on an unspecified charge and was fed once a day. Neighbours were also worried when they heard her screams and called the police.
The husband and wife who hired the teenager are in police custody and investigations are ongoing.
Police have reached out to the girl’s family and stated that she will not be taken back to the house where she was allegedly locked up.
The incident raises concerns about the protection of children working as domestic workers, especially those who are separated from their families. It also highlights the importance of community members in reporting suspected abuse, neglect or extended isolation of children.
Police said it was premature to determine if the couple would be arraigned, but the investigation continues.
