The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has rescued a 16-year-old domestic worker after her employer allegedly poured hot water on her in the Gwarinpa area of Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory.
In a statement shared on its official Facebook page on Friday, NAPTIP revealed that the rescue operation followed a tip-off from concerned neighbours who witnessed the assault.
According to the statement, the teenager, who hails from Imo State and comes from a family of 12, had been employed to care for her employer’s three children — including two-month-old twins and a seven-year-old boy — while the employer worked night shifts.
Neighbours who witnessed the incident quickly rushed the victim to a nearby hospital before contacting NAPTIP, which promptly intervened.
The agency confirmed that investigations have commenced and assured that those responsible for the assault would face the full weight of the law.
“All individuals involved in this heinous act will be brought to justice,” NAPTIP stated.
This disturbing case adds to a series of violent incidents involving the use of hot water as a weapon.
In February 2022, a woman identified as Ramota Soliu reportedly killed her husband, Bello Soliu, in Ogun State after pouring hot water on him during a domestic dispute. Similarly, in September 2023, a landlord named Michael allegedly scalded an 11-year-old girl, identified only as Princess, in the Mowe area of Ogun State.
The latest incident has once again sparked outrage over the abuse of domestic workers, particularly minors, across the country.
