LAGOS – A male street sweeper is being accused of pushing a trader into a pot of boiling water in Mile 2 area of Lagos State.
The 30-year-old trader, Balaraba Musa, a nursing mother, sustained burns on her left breast, chest and stomach.
The suspect, Abdullahi Yakubu, allegedly pushed the victim into the big pot of boiling water during an argument with the victim which started because Yakubu dumped refuse in front of the victim’s shop.
Musa (left) and Yakubu (right)
Musa said, “I sell tuwo around Jamblo market, Mile 12. On January 23, 2014, I was boiling a big pot of water when I realised that someone had dumped refuse in front of my shop. I approached Yakubu who dumped it in front of the shop and he said I should go and tell the elders of the market.
“He further rained insults on me and I told him to get out. He then threatened to slap me, so my friend pulled me away from where Yakubu was.
“As I reached my shop, Yakubu picked up a broom to beat me up. He said in Hausa language that I will eat my mother and I also insulted his mother. He then held my arms, pulled them backwards and pushed me into the pot of boiling water.”
According to reports, Yakubu fled the scene immediately after the incident.
After the incident was reported to the Mile 12 Police Post and the Ketu Police Division, a team went in search for Yakubu.
Two days later, Yakubu was apprehended while he was trying to sneak back into the market.
The suspect however pleaded for mercy, saying the act was not deliberate. He urged market elders to ensure that he doesn’t go to jail.
“I know that I am poor, but I can try to give her money for treatment. Please, have mercy on me,” he pleaded.
Musa is still undergoing treatment and has not returned to work. She said she has to expose her breast due to the burn.
She also said the pain is so severe that it hinders her from sleeping at night.
She said, “I am still lactating and my breast has been disfigured. I can’t attend to customers because my breast could repel them. Also, I find it difficult to sleep because of the pain.
“An auxillary nurse has been attending to me, but I hope the burns can heal completely. I would be happy if anyone could render me financial assistance. I am not married.”
