Report: Hannatu -Trauma of the girl-child

Hannatu ...studying

HANNATU, 14, is the only child of Mr. and Mrs Bewarang. Her father is an old school teacher and mother, a house wife. 

The couple had lived all their lives in Kaduna and wanted their daughter and only child to get good education. 

As a teacher, Bewarang believed that education is the only legency that guarantees a bright future. 


Due to the challenges that comes with life when it is least expected and inability to cope with the financial demands, the family had no other choice but to send Hannatu to another couple whom they trusted and believe, will assist in educating their only daughter. 

Through that, they believed that their dream of educating Hannatu will be realized, at least, this is all they wanted -a future better than theirs.

To the couple, another person playing their responsibility was very painful. But they had no other choice than to make the sacrifice. And the sacrifice include that of parting with their only child for the periods she would be in school. 

According to the father, "We would also be living without her smiles in the morning." The mother added: "And no one to call us Mama and Papa. We are now just like a barren couple, but we have to bear it all." 

At age 14, Hannatu had to leave home to stay with her foster parents at a period most of her peers still enjoy the love of their biological parents. And the distance was not close-by; she left Kaduna State to school in Lagos.

Hannatu ...In a group study

And that was how Hannatu's sojourn into the unknown began. To her parents, oblvious of the weigth of their actions; their innocent daughter was being sent into a life of abuse, sexual assaults and psychological torture. In fact, being sent to school was only in their dream. 

The reality is that young Hannatu was being subjected to live a life of constant abuse, pain and torture all in a bid to get educated. 

On a consistent basis, cases like Hannatu's bring tears to the eyes according to 
Desmond Shepherd of Truerise Media, a non-governmental organization that produced the movie showcasing Hannatu's happenstance.

He noted that this is the reason that campaign for girl-child education remains on the increase. In fact, some of the trials and challenges that come with it are captured in the movie, Hannatu, initiated to showcase the plight, dangers and challenges some parents go through in an attempt to train their children,  especially the girl child. 

The movie, produced and directed by Best Okoduwa, stars nollywood actor and actresses such as: Greg Ojefua, Doris Simeon, Christian Paul, Carol Lee Erhabor and 'introducing' Anita Udoh as Hannatu. 

And what becomes of Hannatu? Did she make it? Was her parents efforts worth the sacrifice? These and many more are the suspend soaked in the tension-filled movie coupled with intrigues that keeps the viewer glued till the very end. 


Report: Hannatu -Trauma of the girl-child