The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has rescued a 16-year-old domestic worker who was allegedly poured hot water by her employer in the Gwarinpa area of the Federal Capital Territory.
According to a statement released on Friday via NAPTIP’s official Facebook page, the agency acted swiftly after receiving a distress call from concerned neighbours who witnessed the assault.
The victim, a native of Imo State and the eighth child in a family of 12, had been employed to care for her employer’s three children, including two-month-old twins and a seven-year-old boy.
Neighbours rushed the teenager to a nearby hospital after the attack before contacting NAPTIP for immediate intervention.
“Reports indicate that the girl was deliberately doused with hot water by her employer. Alert neighbours quickly moved her to a medical facility and notified NAPTIP, prompting a rapid rescue operation,” the agency confirmed in its statement.
NAPTIP has since begun a full investigation into the case and assured the public that those responsible will face prosecution.
The incident adds to a growing list of domestic violence cases across Nigeria involving the use of hot water as a weapon.
In previous cases, victims, including spouses and children, have suffered severe injuries and, in some instances, death.
Sometime in February 2022, a woman, identified as Ramota Soliu, was reported to have killed her husband, Bello Soliu, at a Fulani settlement in the Iyana Ilewo area of Abeokuta-North Local Government Area of Ogun State.
Ramota, a mother of two, reportedly poured hot water on her husband, which eventually led to his death.
Also, in September 2023, a landlord known as Michael allegedly poured hot water on an 11-year-old girl, known as Princess, in the Mowe area of Ogun State.
Abuja employer pours hot water on teenage domestic worker, NAPTIP launches investigation