A man identified as Mr Paul has been arrested and handed over to the Ondo State Police Command over allegations that he assaulted his 10-year-old daughter for bed-wetting, pressing a hot iron on the minor's private part as punishment.
The incident occurred in Upemen Community, Owo Local Government Area of the state.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, confirmed the incident and the arrest of the suspect, saying investigations had commenced.
"Upon receipt of the information, detectives from 'A' Division, Owo, swiftly mobilised to the scene, arrested the suspect without delay and took him into custody," Jimoh said.
"The case is being transferred to the gender unit for discreet investigation and further necessary action in line with established procedures."
The Ondo State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Dr Seun Osamaye, disclosed details of the case on Tuesday after visiting the young girl at the Federal Medical Centre, Owo, where she is receiving treatment.
According to the commissioner, the state government acted swiftly once the case was reported to the ministry, noting that the father had been arrested and handed over to police in Owo Division for prosecution.
"The Ondo State Government under the leadership of Dr Lucky Aiyedatiwa is committed to the protection and welfare of children, and the minor, whose father assaulted her by pressing hot iron on her private part as punishment for bedwetting, is to undergo a second surgery involving skin grafting at the Federal Medical Centre, Owo," Osamaye said.
"She suffered severe injuries after the incident, and the father has been arrested and handed over to the police for prosecution."
The commissioner, who led a delegation from the ministry to assess the child's recovery after her first surgery, said the state government intervened to ensure the child received appropriate medical care and other necessary support.
She commended Governor Aiyedatiwa for his proactive intervention and sustained interest in the welfare of children, stressing that the administration would continue to prioritise their safety, dignity and wellbeing.
Receiving the Commissioner and her delegation, the Medical Director of FMC Owo, Dr Adeyinka Aiyeyemi, commended the state government for creating an enabling environment for healthcare professionals to carry out their duties effectively.
He informed the Commissioner that the minor would require another skin-grafting procedure as part of her continuing treatment and recovery, and recommended appropriate psychotherapy for the child's parents, noting that psychosocial support was needed to address the circumstances surrounding the incident.
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