AHeart-wrenching case of child abuse has rocked the Magama Gumau community in Toro Local Government Area of Bauchi State.
A five-year-old girl, who lost her mother about a year ago, has been subjected to severe brutality by her stepmother, Rabi Nuhu, for bedwetting.
The young victim, whose name is withheld, has been living with her father, Mohammed Umar, and his new wife. According to human rights activist Kabiru Mohammed Abdulkadir, the girl endured repeated violence at the hands of her stepmother for about five days before the abuse came to light.
“The stepmother often vented her frustrations with her husband on the child. It is heartbreaking to see a minor suffer such cruelty,” Abdulkadir said. Despite the father’s efforts to prevent further harm by buying a separate mattress for the child, the violence continued. The girl later confided in her uncle, revealing that her stepmother had burned her private area due to her bedwetting habit. The uncle subsequently reported the matter to the police.[¹](https://democracynewsline.com/woman-arrested-for-allegedly-burning-5-year-old-girls-genitals-over-bedwetting-as-police-launch-investigation) [²](https://ashenewsdaily.com/general-news/stepmother-burns-5-year-old-girl-over-bed-wetting-in-bauchi/)
Mohammed Umar, the victim’s father and an employee of an online television station, admitted that his wife frequently complained about the child’s bedwetting. He initially believed her explanation that hot tea had spilled on the child when he noticed burns on her body. “She told me hot tea spilled on her, and I believed her. I didn’t know the truth until the matter came out,” Umar said regretfully.[³](https://businessday.ng/news/article/bauchi-woman-tortures-dehumanises-five-year-old-girl-for-bed-wetting/)
The police confirmed that the victim sustained severe burns on her lower abdomen, thighs, and buttocks. CSP Mohammed Wakil, Police Public Relations Officer, stated that the case was reported on September 13, 2025, around 3:00 PM. “The Commissioner of Police, Sani Omolori Aliyu, has ordered the immediate arrest of the suspect and directed that the case be transferred to the Criminal Investigation Department for discreet investigation,” Wakil said.
The incident has sparked outrage in the community, with many calling for thorough investigations and support for vulnerable children. The police are working closely with social services to provide counseling and long-term care for the victim. The suspect’s arrest is imminent, and she will face prosecution once investigations are concluded.