Operatives of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) have rescued a 14-year-old female victim of domestic abuse.

The girl, according to a viral video, was subjected to severe maltreatment, abuse, and exploitation after being recruited by a prominent Abuja socialite and wife of a public office holder in Sokoto.

The victim, Bashariyya Usman is the firstborn and only female child of Malam Usman Aliyu.

Her family members were victims of banditry in Dan Gyalla village, Faru ward, Maradun Local Government Area, Zamfara State. They fled violence to seek shelter in the IDP camps around Gwiwa Eka Area of Sokoto State.

Details of how she was employed, abused and eventually rescued are contained in a statement issued yesterday by NAPTIP’s Press Officer, Vincent Adekoye.

The statement read: “She was recently discovered by concerned people within the neighbourhood, in a deplorable state, unable to walk, and showing signs of fainting due to extreme starvation and dehumanization, and promptly reported her situation to members of the  Network Against Child Trafficking, Abuse and Labour (NACTAL), who immediately escalated the report to NAPTIP.

“Investigation revealed that in January 2025, a female indigene of Sokoto State residing in Abuja and wife of a Sokoto State Government Official returned for holidays and expressed to her friend, a nurse and neighbour to the IDP camp,  that she needed domestic help to wash dishes.”

NAPTIP noted that Bashariyya, who was residing in the camp, was recommended and permission from her mother was sought. The mother granted permission and the daughter was allowed to assist for a day.

On how the abuse began, the agency stated: “Pleased with Bashirayya’s work, the suspect offered to retain her services and promised to pay ₦10,000 monthly.

“Three months later, the suspect requested that Bashariyya follow her to Abuja, promising to enrol her in both formal and Islamic schools. She also pledged to remit ₦10,000 monthly to the family through Maryam.

“Sadly, three months later, the once dutiful and helpless girl was subjected to severe maltreatment. She was beaten, tortured, and locked in a dark room. One of suspect’s maids was instructed to feed her only one cup of gari daily.

“A man was brought in to perform rituals, spraying what Bashariyya described as spiritual water on her body while she cried in pain, which caused burns all over her body.

“For several weeks, Bashariyya remained locked up, malnourished, unbathed, and emotionally distressed. The same man came back and poured spiritual water on her hands and legs while crying and begging for mercy every day, without any response”.

The statement continues: “Fearing that the poor girl might die in her house, the woman eventually returned her to Sokoto and handed her over to Maryam, claiming that Bashariyya had “spiritual issues” and that she had tried to help but failed.

“Bashariyya was rushed to several hospitals in Sokoto for emergency medical care, but unfortunately, hospitals were reluctant to admit her, and when the suspect got information that NAPTIP had waded into the matter, some stern-looking locals were allegedly recruited by the suspect and prevented anyone from having access to the then-dying girl.

“Following the intervention of the Director General of NAPTIP, the girl was eventually rescued by the Operatives of the Agency, admitted to one of the hospitals in Sokoto for urgent medical treatment, before she was airlifted to Abuja Friday evening.”

Speaking after receiving the girl at the NAPTIP’s headquarters,

the Director General of NAPTIP, Binta Adamu Bello, said: “This is one of the highest forms of inhumanity to humans. Bashariyya is exhibiting visible signs of physical abuse, and we can see scars, bruises (both fresh and healed), and burnt marks. She is severely malnourished, dehydrated, and emotionally unstable at the moment.

“There are indicators of trauma, both physical and psychological, resulting from prolonged abuse and neglect. The alleged perpetrator exploited the vulnerability of an internally displaced family and manipulated the child’s labour under false promises.

“She was allegedly falsely accused, a common tactic used to justify violence and neglect against the vulnerable. The girl’s brutal treatment included physical abuse, starvation, and psychological torment, all under the guise of alleged accusations.

“Having narrowly escaped with her parents from the bandits who invaded their Community in Zamfara State, one would have thought that Bashariya and her family would enjoy relative peace, assistance, and protection from some privileged members of the society; sadly, the reverse is the case for this innocent girl. The suspect preyed on her vulnerability, the perceived impoverished and helpless status of her parent, and further traumatized her, thereby amounting to double jeopardy.

“For clarity, this girl was recruited from Sokoto and transported to Abuja, where she was abused and exploited. Therefore, NAPTIP shall coordinate the prosecution of the suspect, ensuring that justice is served.”

The DG pledged commitment to providing necessary medical, psychological, and rehabilitative support to the girl as she begins her recovery process.

“The young girl’s condition highlights the urgent need for continued vigilance and intervention in cases of child abuse and trafficking in Nigeria. We are deeply committed to protecting the vulnerable and combating all forms of exploitation, including any fabricated and baseless accusations used to justify abuse. We remain resolute in our efforts to ensure justice for Bashariya and to rehabilitate her.”

The DG lauded the partnership and effort of NACTAL, as led by its National President, Abdulganiyu Abubakar, in the case, and urged other stakeholders to emulate them.

“We urge members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities related to child trafficking, abuse, or exploitation to NAPTIP or its partners across the Country”.

The National President of NACTAL, Abdulganiyu Abubakar, commended the NAPTIP boss for her timely response in rescuing the girl and assured her of more support in ensuring justice for the victim.