The wife of Bauchi State governor, Dr Aishatu Bala Mohammed, has unveiled a harrowing story of incest and sexual abuse, revealing how a father twice impregnated his biological daughter.
Speaking to reporters about the state government’s initiatives to combat sexual and gender-based violence, Dr Aishatu recounted the tragic tale of a daughter who was separated from her father in childhood but was reunited with him after her mother’s death.
She detailed how the father repeatedly molested his daughter, leading to two pregnancies. Eventually, the case came to the attention of the Hisbah Board, which resulted in the father’s arrest and a seven-year prison sentence.
Dr Aishatu explained, “The mother had custody of the daughter following her separation from the girl’s father. However, feeling the sting of peer bullying for not having a father, the daughter persuaded her mother to take her back to him. Tragically, the mother acquiesced to the father’s request to remarry, leaving the daughter behind.
“Before she could return, the father had already begun abusing the daughter. When the girl confided in her mother, the father confessed when confronted. A visit to the hospital revealed both daughter and mother were pregnant by him.
“Tragically, the mother died from a stroke shortly after giving birth. In the wake of her death, the mother’s family turned their backs on the daughter, taking custody of the mother’s baby. Left without support, the girl was forced back into the care of her abusive father.
“The cycle of abuse continued; the father remarried, but when the daughter disclosed her ordeal to her stepmother, she confronted him. Upon admitting to the abuse, the stepmother left, yet the father’s malevolence persisted, culminating in another pregnancy. Following the birth of her second child, concerned neighbours alerted the Hisbah Board in Kano, which led to the father’s arrest and the subsequent seven-year sentence.
Now, the daughter is receiving care from the Bauchi State government, which is providing her with education, a bank account, and a stipend.
Dr Aishatu also highlighted a separate distressing case involving a mother who forced her daughter into prostitution, employing charms to ensure her submission.
She confirmed that the state action committee has stepped in, offering care and assistance to the victim.
Dr Aishatu stressed the urgent need to tackle the increasing instances of sexual abuse and assault in the state and vowed to work tirelessly to support victims and ensure justice for perpetrators.
