The Taraba State Police Command has arrested a 42-year-old housewife, Ngozi Onwuasoalya, for allegedly burning the lips of her eight-year-old stepgrandson, Julius Chinecherim, over a missing N500.

Acting police spokesperson in the state, Gambo Kwache, confirmed the arrest on Monday, stating that the case is currently under investigation by the criminal investigation department, while the accused is in custody at the Wukari division.
The young boy, who is currently receiving treatment at the Federal University Teaching Hospital in Wukari, had his lips burned with firewood as a punishment for misplacing the money. The police made the arrest on Wednesday following a tip-off from concerned community members.

Samaila Dauda, the Chairman of Wukari Local Government, also confirmed the incident, saying, “The authorities have acted quickly in response to the situation, and the accused is currently in detention.” He added that the woman would soon be charged in court.
Community members have expressed their outrage over the incident and are demanding justice for the boy. Julius Iliya, a resident, urged the state government and child protection organizations to intervene and implement measures to protect vulnerable children in the state against domestic abuse.