Abuja Employer Pours Hot Water On 16-Year-Old Maid, NAPTIP Steps In

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has launched an investigation into the alleged assault of a 16-year-old domestic worker who was doused with hot water by her employer in the Gwarinpa area of Abuja.

The agency confirmed on Friday that its operatives rescued the victim following a distress call from concerned neighbours who witnessed the incident. The girl, a native of Imo State and the eighth child in a family of 12, was reportedly employed to care for her employer’s three children, including newborn twins.

According to eyewitnesses, the employer allegedly poured boiling water on the teenager after a disagreement. Shocked neighbours rushed the girl to a nearby hospital before alerting NAPTIP for urgent intervention.

In a statement, the agency said: “Reports indicate that the girl was deliberately doused with hot water by her employer. She was immediately taken for medical care, while our officers commenced swift action leading to her rescue. Investigations are ongoing, and those culpable will face the full weight of the law.”

The case adds to a disturbing trend of hot water attacks in Nigerian households. In February 2022, a woman, identified as Ramota Soliu, fatally scalded her husband in Ogun State. Similarly, in September 2023, a landlord in Mowe was accused of pouring hot water on an 11-year-old girl.

Child rights activists have since condemned the latest incident, urging tougher sanctions on employers who abuse underage domestic workers.