By; Benedict Sunday, Kaduna.
Following an upsurge in the incidence of eye plucking in Kaduna metropolis believed to be perpetrated by ritualists and cultists, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in the state has warned parents and guardians as well as members of the public to be wary of the crime and exercise caution.
Speaking on the ugly incident which many people have fallen victims of it, State Commandant of the Corps, Alhaji Modu Bunu, said the warning has become necessary to save children and the good people of the state.
The Commandant who was reacting to a recent incident in which one Mary Obadiah was discovered dead at Bendel Close, Ungwan Bulus near Sabon-Tasha in Chikun LGA with one eye plucked, expressed shock over the callous and inhuman practice.
The State NSCDC boss remarked that Mary’s incident brought to four the number of eye-plucking incidences known by the Command within eight days even though the remaining three attempts were unsuccessful.
According to him, at about 1600hrs on 6th March, 2016, a child of about seven years was saved at Makera from the wicked hands of a 30-year old man after choking the boy with the sole aim of plucking the unsuspecting boy’s eye.
The suspect whose name was given as Maniru was arrested by some members of the public and handed over to the Police for investigation and prosecution.
Similarly, at about 2300hrs on 6th March, 2016, another suspect was arrested around Naira Roundabout located along Kachia Road when he almost pulled-out the eye of a boy.
As if the above incidences are not enough, another dastardly attempt was made to pluck the eyes of a six year old girl, Kaisar Hussaina at Ungwan Sanusi on the 3rd March, 2016 at about 1242hours by an unknown man.
According to the report, Hussaina who was returning from school was approached and dragged by the suspect to an isolated place where a powdered substance was blown into her eyes thereby causing injury to the eyes.
The lucky Hussaina whose eyes could have been plucked having been dragged to the place screamed when the suspect made frantic efforts to remove the eyes thereby attracting passersby who rescued her.
It is advisable for people to avoid isolated places and to be mindful of people around them because increase vigilance can reduce vulnerability.
