{
  "id": 592298,
  "title": "12-year-old suffers permanent finger deformity over ₦500 theft claim – Doctor",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/11/12-year-old-suffers-permanent-finger-deformity-over-500-theft-claim",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-11T19:02:52.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch Nigeria",
    "slug": "punch-nigeria",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/12-year-old-suffers-permanent-finger-deformity-over-%e2%82%a6500-theft-claim-doctor/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A 12-year-old girl has suffered severe burns and permanent deformity to her index finger after allegedly being punished for stealing ₦500 while staying with another family. Dr. Tortiv Msen, a doctor at Benue State University Teaching Hospital, disclosed the incident on Facebook, stating he was on call when the girl was brought to the emergency pediatric unit. Msen explained that the girl's parents sent her to live with another family in town, who accused her of stealing the money. The family reportedly subjected her to \"a hellfire punishment\" by burning her finger, causing permanent deformity. Despite her injury, the girl was forced to continue household chores without proper wound care. Neighbors eventually alerted the police, and an investigation revealed that one of the family members had taken the money, not the girl. The doctor expressed concern over the treatment of the child and urged parents to prioritize their children's care over material possessions.",
  "summary": "A 12-year-old girl in Nigeria suffered permanent finger deformity after alleged child abuse over a N500 theft claim. Discover the shocking details of this Read More: https://punchng.com/12-year-old-suffers-permanent-finger-deformity-over-%e2%82%a6500-theft-claim-doctor/",
  "key_points": [
    "12-year-old girl suffers permanent finger deformity.",
    "Family burned her finger in punishment for theft claim.",
    "Doctor criticizes treatment, urges parental care over possessions."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Punch",
        "title": "12-year-old suffers permanent finger deformity over ₦500 theft claim – Doctor",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/11/12-year-old-suffers-permanent-finger-deformity-over-500-theft-claim-593933",
        "published": "2026-08-11T19:24:52.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}