NAPTIP rescues 16-year-old domestic worker scalded with hot water in Abuja

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) says it has rescued a 16-year-old domestic worker after her employer allegedly poured hot water on her in the Gwarinpa area of Abuja.

The agency, in a statement posted on its official Facebook page on Friday, said the intervention followed a tip-off from concerned neighbours who also rushed the victim to a hospital.

According to NAPTIP, the teenager, a native of Imo State and one of 12 siblings, had been employed to care for her employer’s three children, including two-month-old twins and a seven-year-old boy.

“Reports indicate that the girl was scalded with hot water by her employer.

“Alert neighbours quickly rushed her to a hospital and immediately contacted NAPTIP, prompting a swift rescue operation,” the statement read.

The agency added that investigations have begun and assured that “all individuals involved in this heinous act will face the full weight of the law.”

This case adds to a disturbing trend of domestic violence involving the use of hot water.

In February 2022, a woman in Ogun State, identified as Ramota Soliu, allegedly killed her husband after dousing him with hot water. Similarly, in September 2023, a landlord in Mowe, Ogun State, was accused of pouring hot water on an 11-year-old girl named Princess.