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I came back from work one evening and found my little daughter locked inside the toilet. She was crying for help. My heart jumped into my throat. Read Our Last Post: From Fear to Relief: Nigerians React as Viral Photos of ‘Captured Soldier’ Are Confirmed to Be Movie Shots
I ran and pulled the door. It was nailed from the outside. I pulled the nail out with shaking hands. She ran into my arms crying. She said, “Uncle locked me inside.” We do not have an uncle who lives with us. The only young man living with us is my cousin, Chike. I brought him from the village so he could go to school.
I called him straight away. He walked out of his room as calm as a man who had nothing to hide. “Why did you lock her inside?” I asked. My voice was small and high. He smiled and said, “I was only playing with her.” His smile did not fit the room.
That night I sat with my daughter. I begged her to tell me the truth. She could not hold it in. She screamed and then she whispered, “He touches me when you are not around.” My body went cold. I could not breathe. I felt the ground leave me.
I wanted to run into his room and hit him. My hands would not move. Instead, I stayed awake all night. I watched him sleep through the gap under the door. Rage burned inside me. I planned what I would do if he tried to run.
In the morning, I took my daughter to the hospital. The doctor was kind. The doctor examined my little girl carefully. The doctor told me what I feared. The tests and the check showed signs that made the doctor very concerned. I held my child’s hand and promised her she would be safe.
I went to the police straight away. I told them everything. They came to our house and arrested Chike that same day. As they led him away in handcuffs, he shouted, “You will regret this!” Neighbours stood and watched. Their faces said they were shocked.
At night, after the long day, I wrapped my daughter in my arms. I told her, “Nobody will ever hurt you again, not while I am alive.” She fell asleep on my shoulder. I felt broken, but I also felt a fierce promise inside my chest. I would protect her.
This is a family in deep pain. It is also a reminder to every parent to watch closely. Children must be kept safe. If a child tells you something that does not feel right, believe them. Do not wait.
The police said they will investigate the case. The child will get more care and counselling at the hospital. Neighbours and family can help the child feel strong again. This boy who was arrested will face the law. The courts will look at the evidence and decide.
If you are reading this and you know a child in danger, please do not stay quiet. Call the police. Take the child to a doctor. Tell someone you trust. The sooner the help comes, the safer the child will be.
My heart goes out to every parent who has walked this hard road. I will keep you all updated as the case moves forward. For now, we hold the little girl close and we pray she finds peace and healing.
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