A young girl (name withheld), who suffered horrific injuries after her father allegedly pressed a hot iron on her private parts as punishment for bedwetting, is set to undergo another surgery at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Owo.

The minor, who has already undergone her first surgery following the alleged abuse, now requires a skin-grafting procedure as part of efforts to repair the extensive injuries she sustained.

The development was disclosed during a follow-up visit by the Ondo State Government to the hospital to assess the child’s recovery and welfare.

The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Dr Seun Bosede Osamaye, who represented Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa during the visit, personally interacted with the child and her caregivers to assess her condition and monitor her healing.

The minor was allegedly subjected to the horrific treatment by her father over bedwetting, leaving her with severe injuries that required urgent medical intervention.

Following the incident, the Ondo State Government intervened to ensure that the child received medical treatment and other forms of support.

During the visit, the child expressed appreciation to Governor Aiyedatiwa for the government’s intervention and support at a difficult moment in her life.

Osamaye commended the governor for his prompt intervention and continued interest in the child’s welfare, saying the administration would not abandon vulnerable children who suffer abuse or violence.

She said the government remained committed to protecting the dignity, safety and wellbeing of children across the state, stressing that no child should be subjected to violence under the guise of discipline.

The Commissioner also praised the management and medical team of FMC Owo for their prompt response, professionalism and dedication to the child’s recovery.

Receiving the delegation on behalf of the hospital, the Head of Clinical Services, Dr Aiyeyemi Adeyinka, appreciated the state government for its intervention and support, noting that such cooperation had helped healthcare professionals provide the necessary care to the victim.

He disclosed that the minor would require another procedure involving skin grafting to aid her continued recovery.

The medical director also recommended appropriate psychotherapy for the child’s parents, emphasising the need to address the psychological and emotional circumstances surrounding the incident.

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Osamaye reiterated the state’s determination to pursue justice for the victim while ensuring that she receives the medical, emotional and social support required to rebuild her life.

She urged members of the public to report suspected cases of child abuse promptly to relevant authorities, warning against silence in the face of violence against children.

The Commissioner assured that the state government would continue to stand with vulnerable children and protect them from abuse, violence and other forms of maltreatment.