The many residents of Wukari Local Government Area in Taraba State are calling for justice for eight-year-old Julius Chinecherim, who was reportedly abused by his step-grandmother.

The step grandmother was set to have burnt the boy’s lips after he allegedly misplaced the sum of N500.

The incident which took place last week, in Wukari council, has continued to ignite tension as residents are presently seeking justice for the victim.

Some residents who spoke to Daily Post, said the step grandmother who was identified as Ngizi Onwuasoalya, used firewood to destroy the boy’s lips.

Condemning the action of the 42 years old woman, they urged the state government and other child protection organizations and agencies to intervene in the matter.

Confirming the report, the LG chairman, Samaila Dauda, said the authorities have taken swift action in response to the disturbing incident in Wukari, where an eight-year-old boy named Julius Chinecherim suffered severe injuries after his lips were burned by his grandfather’s wife.

According to him, the boy has been receiving medical attention at the Federal University Teaching Hospital in Wukari.

He added that the woman has been arrested and is currently in detention, waiting to be charged to court.

“It is true that an eight year old boy by name Julius Chinecherim’s lips were burnt by his grandfather’s wife. I quickly ordered for her arrest and the boy has been receiving treatment in the Federal University Teaching Hospital Wukari.

“As for the woman she is currently under detention and is to be charged to court soon by the grace of God,” the LG chairman said.

Community leaders and residents who are currently calling for justice, expressed relief at the swift response by the authorities.