…Seeks government support
JASPI Health and Gender Development Initiative, has rescued two minors, 10-year-old Oryiman Tarza and 13-year-old Salome Aondonengen, who were allegedly subjected to severe physical abuse by their aunt, Nguseer Terpase, and her husband, Terpase Ihomwua, in Makurdi.
The children were extracted from the home following reports that surfaced online and were immediately moved to alternative care with support from the Benue State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare.
Narrating the incident on Tuesday to The Voice, JASPI Program Manager, Hemba Matthew, said the organization responded after Oryiman’s condition was posted on social media. He gave a vivid picture of what JASPI met on ground at the house where the children were being abused.
“When we got there, this is the state we found him in. This is the house he was staying. So, we quickly rushed him to the hospital,” Matthew said showing a picture of Oryiman.
“At the hospital, medical tests revealed extensive injuries. Oryiman, had scars and wounds on his back and burns on his hands. Doctors also diagnosed him as malnourished. He was admitted for two days and discharged on Wednesday with a follow-up appointment scheduled for next Tuesday”
During the intervention, JASPI discovered that Salome, 13, was also living in the same house. She was brought in for medical examination where it was confirmed she had also been abused. Salome has scars on her back, hand and a leg injury that has left her limping.
“A bike hit her in the shop, and no care was given to her at all. After massage with hot water, they would just apply balm. No proper care,” Matthew explained, stating that she was not admitted but doctors have asked her to return on Friday for further assessment after a scan was conducted on her leg.
The Programme Manager disclosed that both children are now receiving medical treatment, mental health and psychosocial support, and basic livelihood support including clothes, shoes, and toiletries, with support from JASPI and UNICEF.
According to JASPI, the abuse was allegedly perpetrated by the children’s aunt, Nguseer Terpase, and her husband. He said Oryiman was handed over to his aunt in January this year by his father.
The father told the Ministry that he gave the aunt N18,000 for school enrollment, but the child was never enrolled. Efforts by the father to visit were allegedly frustrated by the couple.
Matthew stated that preliminary findings indicate both the aunt and her husband were involved. “It was not just Nguseer that was perpetrating this act. It included the husband, Terpase. He was always available when that act was being perpetrated, and was insulting them in the process,” he said.
He alleged that the aunt used burning leather and hot water as punishment for minor infractions such as failing to flush the toilet. “She will light leather, and when it is burning, it will be dropping on their hands. It’s not a one-time thing,” he added.
The police have arrested the suspects and are handling the case, JASPI confirmed.
Speaking on the issue, JASPI Executive Director, Patricia Suswam, commended UNICEF for its support in child protection but said the demand for intervention far outweighs available resources.
“JASPI is doing a lot through support. Not JASPI’s capacity alone. For now, we are being supported by UNICEF. They are always there for us. But the task is so much,” she said.
Suswam appealed to the Benue State Government and well-meaning individuals to support the organization financially and logistically.
“We need more support from government or anybody that can come here and give us support, financial support. With that, we can take more staff. The core staff you see here are all well trained, but what is required of us by the community is more than what we can afford now,” she stated.
She noted that while UNICEF’s focus is primarily on child protection, other needs of the children and their families also require attention.
Reacting to why neighbors did not intervene earlier, Suswam said it may be due to fear and the aunt’s alleged harsh character may have contributed as well
“Maybe she’s a very harsh woman people were standing afar looking, and afraid to come near. Eventually, she exposed herself, and that is why we are here now,” she said.
She said the biological father has been contacted and has expressed willingness to take custody of Oryiman. However, the organization and the Ministry will first assess his home to determine if it is safe before releasing the child.
“The man himself has seen with his two eyes the danger his son is in. We will ensure he takes his child back. But we need to assess his home first,” Suswam said.
The Executive Director condemned the rising cases of child abuse and called for collective action to protect vulnerable children in communities across the state.
Speaking with The Voice at the safe shelter, Oryiman Tarza and Salome Aondonengen, who barely speak English, expressed joy that they were no longer with their aunt.
Both children remain under the care of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare as investigations continue.
The Benue State Police Command could not be reached for comment at the time of filing this report.
