An 11-year-old orphan identified as Linda Emberga has allegedly suffered severe abuse after she was accused of stealing N1,000, according to a Benue resident who raised the alarm over the incident.
Michelle Akuhwa, in a Facebook post on Friday, July 31, 2026, alleged that the child was discovered tied to a bench in the early hours of the day while crying for help.
According to Akuhwa, Linda was found in a distressed condition and has since been taken into her care as efforts continue to ensure the matter is properly investigated.
She alleged that the child’s cries woke residents around 5:00 a.m., adding that Linda was calling out for help from her aunt. Akuhwa claimed the child’s pleas were ignored and that she was later found tied up and badly injured.
The resident further alleged that the abuse was linked to an accusation that Linda had stolen N1,000 the previous day. She said the child’s elder sister and her husband were responsible for her care and that the alleged mistreatment had reportedly been ongoing for some time.
Linda, who is said to have lost both parents at about the age of four, has reportedly been living with her elder sister’s family.
“Linda is an orphan — she has no mother or father. According to her, she is 11 years old and lost her parents when she was about four,” Akuhwa stated in her post.
Akuhwa said she and her colleague decided to intervene and seek justice for the child, stressing that alleged abuse of minors should not be ignored.
“For now, Linda is still under our care. We are treating her in the hospital while following due process to ensure she gets the help and protection she needs,” she added.
Authorities have not yet released an official statement on the matter. Further investigations are expected to determine the circumstances surrounding the alleged abuse and ensure the child’s safety.
