A 10-year-old boy has been rescued by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) after being tied up and denied regular food for two years by his father and three stepmothers.

The boy, identified as Jibrin Aliyu, was rescued by the NHRC after a tipoff from neighbours, The Punch reports.

It is understood that the culprits had been arrested while the boy was receiving treatment at Sir Yahaya Memorial Hospital, Birnin Kebbi.

The gaunt-looking boy could barely walk by himself when officials came to evacuate him.

Though he was accused of being unstable, he was already in high spirits and seemed normal after a few days of treatment.

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

Meanwhile, Governor Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi State has expressed worry over the situation and ordered a full investigation into it.

Shortly after visiting the boy at the hospital, the Special Adviser to Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu on Women Affairs, Hajiya Zara’u Wali, described the development as unfortunate and shocking.

She said that the state government would not relent in its efforts to ensure that all the necessary needs of the victim would be taken cared of.

“Now the boy is in the hospital and responding to treatment courtesy of the state government under the able leadership of Gov. Atiku Bagudu,” she said.

She warned that any parents who committed similar act would not be condoned by the government while calling on parents to take of their wards’ responsibilities.