By Evelyn Usman & Nnenna Agugua

Policemen attached to Meiran Division, Lagos, have arrested a woman who allegedly assaulted her 13-year-old maid, identified as Esther, with a saw blade for burning her pot of beans.

Vanguard gathered that the suspect, identified as Mfoniso Udodoikpom, an indigene of Akwa Ibom State, picked Esther, who hails from same state with her, from the village some years ago, after the demise of the latter’s parents.

Neighbours said the alleged maltreatment of the teenager reached its peak Sunday, following her shout for help while being battered.

A neighbour, who claimed to have come to her rescue, said that the teenager was found bleeding and at the same time engaged in domestic chores.

The neighbour, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said: “Two of us went to the house and saw a deep cut on her. She said that her madam used a saw blade on her.

“Immediately Esther sighted us, she attempted to use the opportunity to run out but got injured in the process. Her madam still dragged her inside and asked her to wash some clothes with the injured hand.”

Contacted, Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Dolapo Badmus, confirmed the arrest.

She said: “Madam Mfoniso Udodoikpom from Akwa Ibom State assaulted Esther, the girl she picked from their state to Lagos since she was young.

“A neighbour reported at the station that the suspect used a saw blade to injure her maid for breaking a plastic and burning cooked beans.

“Effort is ongoing to partner Lagos State Government to keep the child, who said she is an orphan, in a shelter, while the suspect will be charged to court.”