Mangoes of Madness: Young Girls Threatened with Execution

A seemingly trivial act of childhood mischief turned into a terrifying ordeal for two young girls in Maiduguri, Borno State, after they were reportedly threatened with beheading for taking mangoes. Hajara, 13, and Hauwa, 11, faced severe repercussions for picking ten mangoes from a tree owned by Muhammed Shettima in the Pompomari district.

The incident, which involved physical assault, gained widespread attention after a video recording, allegedly made by Shettima’s wife and subsequently shared online, circulated over the weekend. The public outcry following the video’s release led to the swift apprehension of both Muhammed Shettima and his wife by local authorities.

The children’s experience highlights a disturbing escalation of punishment for a minor offense, raising concerns about the safety and well-being of young people in the region. The emotional distress and fear inflicted upon the girls have become a focal point of community discussion, prompting calls for justice and a reassessment of punitive measures.