By Zainab Ibrahim
WHERE IT BEGAN
At thirteen, it was Kehinde’s turn to be carried along by his paternal Uncle to Ijebu ode in Ogun state, this marked the beginning of a new phase in his life.
Fathers and Mothers are the pillars of the emotional, psychological and mental growth of a Child, but when one party falls, it becomes a hit to the child and a burden to the Other.
Abdulsalam Kehinde lost his Father just when he was nine months old and he was left to the care of his Mother alongside six other siblings.
The pressure heightened so much that his Mother could no longer care for them. Extended families came to their rescue, taking them along one after the other.
FRIENDLY CUSTODY TURN PSYCHOLOGICAL ABUSE
His story changed when he started living with his Uncle.
“I was physically and psychologically traumatised from constant dehumanisation”
He said.
Kehinde was constantly beaten and verbally Abused when he does something wrong.
“My uncle’s kids are pampered while I fetch water for them to Use”
According to Kehinde, he developed Scars from the consistent bearing from his uncle’s wife.
On a faithful day, he was sent to buy pepper but unfortunately, he lost the money, he thought of going back home but was shattered by thoughts of him getting abused. he decided to drop the pepper silently and left.
barefoot, Kehinde walked from Ijebu ode to Shao in Kwara State About two hundred and forty-six Kilometers.
“I embarked on this journey lost and and unsure of the unforeseen”he said.
At eleven PM, The road was silent and scary Kehinde took Refuge under the pavement and was eventually found by a woman who lives nearby. she called out for help and had him taken to the nearest Police station.
A missing child advert was placed on TV and radio. His Uncle reached out to him, but Kehinde refused to return home. he swore to commit suicide if he is not returned back to his Mother.
Kehinde has experienced physical and Mental torture that has seized to erase, he is urging parents to give birth to the number of children they can cater to avoid extending their responsibility to family members.
Through personal healing, Kehinde has written a book titled “once upon a child” to share his pain and advocate for better child support.
