A 10-year-old girl, identified simply as Faith, has died in Lagos State following alleged prolonged abuse and maltreatment by her guardians.
The incident occurred at Jemesi Papa Street, Modina Road, Egan, in the Igando area of the state, sparking outrage among residents.
According to SaharaReporters, sources told the media that the deceased had been living with a couple, Adline Ogbonna and Onyema Paul, who allegedly subjected her to inhumane treatment prior to her death.
The child was reportedly taken from her village to live with the couple, said to be relatives, but was allegedly exposed to persistent neglect and physical abuse.
Speaking on the incident, the Lagos Coordinator of the TIB Movement, Adekunle Taofeeq, who visited the scene, narrated disturbing details of the girl’s final days.
“On getting there, I was informed that a girl was living with a couple. I was told she is the wife’s sister’s daughter, taken from the village to live with them. Since then, she has allegedly been subjected to maltreatment,” he said.
“I was also told that the girl had been sick since about two weeks ago. Even in that condition, she was still being mistreated and beaten. She was reportedly given a bucket to fetch water while she was ill.”
He added, “As I said, I was informed that the wife and husband were beating the child inside the room. We do not exactly know what happened, but there were reports of assault.”
Taofeeq further disclosed that neighbours became suspicious when the child was not seen, only to discover she may have died inside the room.
“This morning, someone suspected she might have died inside the house, though the circumstances were still unclear. The wife was reportedly cooking and washing plates outside while the child’s body remained inside the room, unnoticed by neighbours,” he said.
“When we arrived this morning, we confirmed the situation. I took photographs and recorded videos, then moved to evacuate the body.”
He alleged that the male guardian attempted to remove the corpse using a wheelbarrow but was stopped by neighbours who feared he intended to dispose of it.
Providing further insight, Taofeeq said the suspect claimed the girl was taken to a hospital while still alive.
“I personally questioned him about what happened. He said the girl had been sick and that they took her to the hospital while she was still alive. I asked which hospital… I contacted the doctor,” he said.
“The doctor told me the girl was brought in dead. However, the man had claimed she was alive at the time, apparently in an attempt to cover up what happened.
“The doctor further explained that before she was taken to the hospital, she was first taken to a nearby pharmacy, where it was also confirmed that she was already dead on arrival.”
Sources confirmed that operatives of the Nigeria Police Force from the Igando Division were alerted and swiftly moved to the scene.
The suspects, Adline Ogbonna and Onyema Paul, have since been arrested, while efforts are ongoing to evacuate the child’s body for further investigation.