Plateau State Government said it has taken over the medical bills of Mrs Hauwa Shagari, a pregnant woman whose hand was cut off by her drunk police inspector husband following an argument over N20,000.
Shagari’s husband was said to have cut off the victim’s hand following the argument over N20,000 on Wednesday in Jos.
The Police Command in Jos, which confirmed the incident, said the case was at the State Criminal Investigation Department.
However, Mrs Caroline Dafur, Plateau Commissioner of Women Affairs said the seven months pregnant mother of three was recuperating in the hospital with her bills being paid by the state government.
She added that the state has also taken charge of the other children of the victim.
“The Plateau Commissioner for Health and the Medical Director, Plateau Specialist Hospital, have helped in ensuring she got the best treatment.
“Her bills are being paid, her children are also well taken care of by the state; we intend keeping her in a safe place when she fully recovers,” the Commissioner said.
She also disclosed that the Ministry of Women Affairs and the Plateau State Gender Commission have begun investigation into the incident and would ensure justice is served.
Dafur noted that domestic violence, particularly physical abuse such as the case of Shagari, could have devastating phycological impact on victims.
“We are aware that some victims may experience long-term psychological effects such as post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety,” said the commissioner.
She condemned the act and described it as a barbaric show of insanity; and assured the public that the case would be handled legally.
She lauded the Police in Plateau for acting swiftly by arresting the perpetrator to serve as deterrent to others like him.
Dafur advised victims to report violent acts and tendencies, to help curb the menace in the society.
