One Austin Segun, who tied his 13-year-old son to a
burglar-proof for three days because a pastor said the boy was a wizard,
has been given an ultimatum to leave Eruemukohwarien community, Ughelli
North Local Government Area of Delta State.
The victim, Tobi Segun, who just finished Primary school, was rescued by a group of vigilante, who heard him crying at about 2 a.m.
One of the vigilante members, who rescued the victim, told
Vanguard that during their routine night patrol, they heard the faint
cry of the boy saying he wants to die and that he can no longer bear the
torture.
"Immediately, we alerted the community Youth Chairman and
others. When we gained access into the house, we saw the boy alone, tied
to the window protector while his hands were tied behind him" the
vigilante said.
"Though the parents were not at home, the landlord called
the father on phone while the community Youth Chairman alerted the DPO
of the Ughelli ‘A’ Division, who personally came and arrested the
suspect."
Confirming the incident to Vanguard, the victim’s step-mother, Mrs. Edijala Favour Segun, said:
"They told us that he is a wizard at a Church we went to
for prayers and he also admitted that he is a wizard. At a point, my
husband had to use a hot iron to burn his palm and feet owing to his misbehavior. Despite this, he opened the fridge in the house and ate
everything.
"This led to my husband tying his hands and legs to the
protector. He had just been tied for three days before we were
arrested,"
Mr. Segun was released on bail after he was arrested and detained at the Ughelli ‘A’ Division Police Station over the incident.
"On that day, our landlord called us on the phone that we
should come back to the house. On getting home, we were faced with a
crowd that started hitting my husband and me. After some minutes, the
Police came and arrested my husband, while I was asked to take Tobi to
the Ughelli Central Hospital for treatment." said Mrs Segun.
"My husband was able to secure his release, but the IPO in
charge of the case ordered that we should move out of the community.
This was documented and we all agreed to it including leaders of the
community."
Recounting his ordeal, the victim said:
"I always run from the house because I am not comfortable. My mother is dead and the woman here is my step-mother."
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