Dr. Mustapha Mohammed, a physician at the Kebbi Medical Centre in Birnin Kebbi, has disclosed that a 7-year-old boy was infected with HIV after being sexually abused by a man. The doctor shared the case in a Facebook post on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, highlighting the tragic consequences of child sexual abuse.
Boy Presented with Chronic Diarrhea and Weight Loss
The boy was brought to the health facility by his mother with a history of chronic diarrhea lasting six months and weight loss over five months. Prior to seeking medical help, the mother had administered treatments from patent medicine vendors and herbal concoctions, but the child's condition did not improve. Upon further examination, doctors discovered the boy had a rectal prolapse.
Urgent investigations were ordered, including a stool GeneXpert test for tuberculosis and screening for sexually transmitted infections, specifically HIV. Tragically, the child tested positive for both tuberculosis and HIV. The mother was immediately tested but her result came back negative.
Child Reveals Abuse Under Threat of Death
During the investigation into how the child contracted HIV, the boy disclosed that an adult male had been sodomising him. The perpetrator threatened to kill the boy if he ever revealed the abuse. The mother, who had previously sold her belongings to pay a traditional healer (babalawo) who claimed the child was under attack by a witch, found it difficult to comprehend the reality of the situation.
Second Case: 15-Year-Old Girl Also Infected
Dr. Mohammed also shared a second similar case involving a 15-year-old girl who lost her mother a year ago. She was hawking food for her stepmother when she was sexually abused by multiple men and consequently contracted HIV. Both children were referred to the Sexual Abuse Clinic (SAC) for proper management and to help bring the perpetrators to justice.
“The first half of 2026 is gone but two similar tragic case scenarios of Child Abuse (Sexually) stay with me. Nowadays, both genders are not spared,” the doctor wrote.
Doctor Urges Parents to Protect Children
In his post, Dr. Mohammed advised parents and guardians to protect their children and teach them about “bad touch.” He emphasised the importance of building a friendship with children so they can voice any abnormal behaviour directed at them by an adult. Parents should also question any suspicious behaviour directed towards their children and always be aware of where their child goes to play or with whom they play.
He urged that any suspicious act of abuse against a child should be reported to the SAC clinic or NAPTIP (National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons).
“Some people are monsters and can traumatize you and your child (or children) for life,” he warned. “Speak out for children because they are vulnerable.”
