The Kebbi State Police Command has apprehended a man and his three wives for reportedly tying up a 10-year-old boy at a spot for two years.

The boy who could barely stand due to starvation was found living with animals while his father, his three wives and seventeen other siblings were living in comfort.

According to reports made available to the National Human Rights Commission by neighbours, the boy was subjected to dehumanising conditions.

He was tied to a wooden pillar and had been reportedly living among goats and chickens for two years, according to the BBC. 

The boy, identified as Jibrin Aliyu, was later rescued by the NHRC and receiving treatment at Sir Yahaya Memorial Hospital, Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State.

The culprits, his father and his three wives had been arrested.

“His name is Jibrin. He lives in Badariya area, Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State with his father and three stepmothers,” The report read in part.

“The poor child lost his mother a few years ago. According to the information gathered, the child had been tied by his father within the father’s premises like a goat, devoid of food and water on the ground that he is mentally retarded.

“Some of the neighbours observed this inhuman treatment and alerted the NHRC Kebbi.

“Presently the father and his three wives are in police custody at the divisional headquarters in Birnin Kebbi and the innocent boy is receiving treatment at Sir Yahaya Memorial Hospital, Birnin Kebbi.

“The state coordinator, Hamza Wala, has discussed with the Divisional Police Officer handling the case about making arrangement for their arraignment before the Chief Magistrate Court Birnin Kebbi pending the completion of the police investigation.

“Furthermore, the boy will be transferred to the Rehabilitation Centre in Jega, Kebbi State for better treatment,” the statement added.