A nursing mother in Maiduguri, Borno State, is receiving treatment for severe burns after her stepmother allegedly poured hot water on her during a dispute. The incident, which occurred on Sunday, August 23, has sparked outrage among residents and prompted official intervention.
The victim, Zara Muhammad, was attacked in the Kofa area of Maiduguri following a verbal argument. According to a neighbor, also named Zara, residents were alerted by the victim’s screams. The neighbor told Daily Trust that she rushed to the scene and found the stepmother pressing the victim onto the spilled hot water. She said she scolded the stepmother and pulled her away, but the victim had already sustained severe burns.
Background of Alleged Abuse
Residents allege that Zara Muhammad has faced hardship since becoming pregnant after her lover reportedly abandoned her. They claim her parents pressured her to terminate the pregnancy, but she refused. Following the birth of her child, neighbors say she was subjected to starvation and maltreatment whenever disagreements arose.
Zara Muhammad recounted that the incident began when her daughter tried to enter her stepmother’s room. The stepmother stopped the toddler, prompting Zara to intervene and take her daughter away. The tension reportedly continued for three days before the stepmother allegedly threatened to stop providing food for them.
“When I replied that God would provide for me and my little girl, she rushed at me and pressed me into the boiling water she had spilled on the ground,” Zara Muhammad said.
Official Response and Family Denial
Witnesses alleged that after the attack, the victim was left in pain without adequate medical attention. However, the victim’s father denied allegations of neglect or covering up for his wife, stating, “She was even taken to hospital.”
Following intervention by the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hajiya Zuweira Gambo, a response team evacuated the victim to a medical facility for treatment. The stepmother was arrested and placed in security custody.
Context and Implications
This case highlights the vulnerability of women in domestic settings, particularly those who face family pressure and lack support. The alleged pattern of abuse—starvation, maltreatment, and physical violence—raises concerns about the effectiveness of existing protections for women and children in the region. The swift response by the Commissioner for Women Affairs suggests a growing official awareness, but the incident underscores the need for stronger community-level safeguards and reporting mechanisms.
As the victim recovers, the legal process will determine accountability. The case also serves as a reminder of the broader challenges faced by single mothers in parts of Nigeria, where social stigma and economic dependence can exacerbate domestic conflicts.
Source: Nursing Mother Suffers Burns After Stepmother Allegedly Poured Hot Water On Her In Borno