NAWOJ Rivers Demands Justice for 14-Year-Old Burnt with Hot Iron Over Alleged Theft in Port Harcourt School

PORT HARCOURT, June 24, 2025 — Outrage is spreading across Rivers State as the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) has sounded a thunderous call for justice following the shocking torture of a 14-year-old schoolgirl allegedly brutalized by teachers and pastors over an unconfirmed case of stolen money.

The horrifying incident occurred at Christ Ambassador International Mission School located in the Eagle Island axis of Obio-Akpor Local Government Area, where teachers reportedly flogged the young girl and inflicted burns on her with a hot-pressing iron after she was accused without proof of stealing ₦30,000.

In a strongly-worded statement, NAWOJ Rivers Chairperson Susan Serekara-Nwikhana expressed deep anger and disbelief at what she described as an “utterly barbaric and medieval act committed against an innocent child.”

“What is ₦30,000 compared to the life and dignity of a child? We are appalled that in today’s Nigeria, educators and pastors can descend to this level of cruelty based on nothing more than a suspicion,” she stated. “The law must take its full course. Enough is enough!”

The association condemned the involvement of religious leaders said to have “spiritually identified” the child as the culprit, describing such declarations as reckless and dangerous.

“Which God gave them the authority to point fingers without proof? Too many self-styled pastors are misleading families with false visions, and now a child is permanently scarred.”

NAWOJ Rivers is demanding swift action on four critical fronts:

Immediate arrest and prosecution of all teachers and accomplices involved in the abuse;
– Investigation and possible arrest of the pastor who allegedly triggered the false accusation;
– Full psychological care and trauma recovery support for the affected girl;
– A thorough probe into the school’s operations, including a possible suspension or revocation of its license.

The incident, now under preliminary police review, has drawn fierce criticism across social media and civil society groups, with calls mounting for the Ministry of Education and Child Protection agencies to intervene decisively.

Meanwhile, human rights advocates and child welfare organizations are rallying support for the young girl, demanding that the system must not fail her. Many are describing the incident as a test case for how Nigeria protects its most vulnerable.

“This is more than a school scandal — it is a national emergency on child rights,” one activist noted. “Justice must not only be served but seen to be served, swiftly and without compromise.”

As the story develops, the spotlight now turns to state authorities, law enforcement, and regulatory agencies to ensure those responsible are held accountable — and that no other child suffers such trauma in the hands of those meant to educate and guide.