A middle-aged man, Babangida Mohammed, has been rescued by Bauchi State police after reportedly being kept in chains for 10 years by his father, Mohammed Lawal, in Shadawanka village on the outskirts of Bauchi city due to his mental illness.
Authorities revealed that the victim had been kept in chains by his 72-year-old father, Mohammed Lawal, who said he resorted to the measure after his son developed a mental health condition.
Lawal confessed to keeping his son restrained for years, claiming he thought it was the only way to control his deteriorating mental health.
Tragically, the decision tore the family apart, with Lawal divorcing Babangida’s mother after she insisted that their son receive proper medical care rather than be kept in chains.
It was reported that Babangida was discovered naked, with matted hair, and heavy chains secured with locks around his legs.
On Monday, SP Nafi’u Habib, the spokesperson for the Bauchi State Police Command, confirmed that the victim had been rescued and would receive medical attention at a hospital.
He further stated that investigations are ongoing and assured that anyone found responsible would be held fully accountable under the law.
The Village Head of Shadawanka, Muhammad Kabiru, stated that Babangida’s mental health issues started during his school years.
He explained that Babangida’s condition was believed to have been triggered after the young man steadfastly refused to join a secret cult group.
