By Isaac Mission
The Abia State Police Command has taken a 13-year-old boy into protective custody after he was allegedly subjected to severe physical abuse by his father in Aba.
The boy was reportedly tied with a rope, beaten, stripped and left outside under the sun. The incident attracted public attention after a video showing the injured child circulated on social media.
Following the development, the Commissioner of Police in Abia State, Wilfred Afolabi, directed officers to investigate the matter and apprehend the suspect.
Police operatives from the Abayi Divisional Police Headquarters subsequently arrested the boy’s father, identified as Uzoma Uwaeme, who resides on Nwokocha Street, off Udeabara Road, Aba.
The command said investigators were examining the circumstances surrounding the alleged abuse, including reports concerning the child’s living arrangements and the role of his mother after his father reportedly remarried.
The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation, while the suspect remains in police custody.
The police also disclosed that the boy had been taken for medical treatment and was in stable condition.
Condemning the alleged treatment of the child, Commissioner Afolabi described the incident as inhumane and barbaric, stressing that such conduct violates the rights and dignity of a child.
He assured the public that the command would thoroughly investigate the case and take appropriate legal action if the allegations are established.
The arrest came as the police command was also stepping up efforts to protect children and students across the state through its Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) Safe Schools Initiative.
The programme, inaugurated by Afolabi on September 9, seeks to strengthen cooperation between law enforcement, schools, communities and other stakeholders in creating safer learning environments.
Under the initiative, stakeholders are expected to promote safety awareness, strengthen security around schools, organise student mentorship and civic education programmes, train safety volunteers and encourage the use of modern security technology, including surveillance systems where required.
At the inauguration, Afolabi said effective policing depended significantly on cooperation between the police and members of the community.
He urged residents to promptly report suspected cases of child abuse, domestic violence and other criminal activities to the police.
The commissioner also encouraged members of the public to use the command’s designated telephone channels when reporting incidents requiring police intervention.