Stepmother Burns 5-Year-Old Girl for Bedwetting in Bauchi

A housewife, identified as Rabi Nuhu, has been accused of inflicting severe burns on her five-year-old stepdaughter in Magama Gumau, Toro Local Government Area of Bauchi State, allegedly for frequent bedwetting.

The incident comes barely a week after another child in the same community suffered severe injuries when her brother’s wife allegedly burnt her private part with a hot knife over witchcraft accusations.

According to community members, the latest victim lost her biological mother about a year ago and has since been living with her father, Mohammed Umar, and his new wife. Residents alleged that the child has endured repeated acts of abuse in the household.

Kabiru Mohammed Abdulkadir, a community member and human rights activist, said the girl had suffered violence for a long time before the matter was exposed. To reduce tension at home, her father reportedly bought her a separate mattress, but the abuse continued.

The child later confided in her uncle, alleging that her stepmother burnt her private parts because she wet the bed frequently. It was the uncle who eventually reported the matter to the police. Abdulkadir further claimed that the suspect often vented her frustrations from marital disagreements on the child.

Speaking with journalists, the girl’s father, Mohammed Umar, who works with an online television station, admitted that his wife had persistently complained about the girl’s bedwetting. He said he initially believed her explanation that the child sustained burns from spilled hot tea.

Confirming the case, the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Mohammed Wakil, said the incident was reported on September 13, 2025, at about 3:00 pm.

“The victim sustained burns on her lower abdomen, thighs, and buttocks,” Wakil stated, adding that the Commissioner of Police, Sani Omolori Aliyu, has ordered the immediate arrest of the suspect and directed that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for thorough investigation.

The victim is currently receiving medical care, while police investigations continue.