Kano ministry rescues toddler from abuse in foster home

The Kano State Ministry of Women Affairs, Children and Persons with Special Needs has rescued a 19-month-old boy from alleged abuse and neglect by his foster mother in the Tsamiya Babba area of the state.

The child, identified as Musa, was reportedly taken from the custody of his foster parent after residents raised concerns over his condition and treatment.

According to preliminary findings, the toddler was allegedly subjected to neglect and severe malnourishment despite the foster mother legally obtaining custody of him from the Nassarawa Children’s Home.

Residents in the area reportedly alerted authorities after noticing that the child was frequently left unattended and locked indoors for long periods under unsafe conditions.

Following the complaints, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Amina Abdullahi, directed an immediate investigation into the matter.

The probe was led by the Acting Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Muhammad Sambo Iliyasu.

Investigators identified the foster mother as Aisha Shuaibu, who allegedly admitted during questioning that she had left the child alone on at least three occasions.

Officials also discovered multiple scars on the child’s body, although the suspect was said to have failed to provide a clear explanation for the injuries.

The ministry subsequently handed the case over to the Gezawa Divisional Police Headquarters for further investigation, while the suspect remains in custody.

Reacting to the incident, the commissioner condemned all forms of child abuse and neglect, warning that the ministry would intensify monitoring and supervision of foster homes across Kano State to protect vulnerable children.

She also urged residents to promptly report suspected cases of child abuse to relevant authorities.