Outrage in Lagos as Couple Allegedly Beats Adopted Child to Death
Residents of Igando in Lagos have been left shocked following the death of a 10-year-old girl, allegedly linked to prolonged abuse by her adoptive parents.
The couple, identified as Paul Onyeama and Adline Ogbonna, were accused of repeatedly maltreating the child, Faith, over a period of time before the situation reportedly escalated on Sunday.
According to residents of Jemesi Papa Street, where the family lived, the girl had been subjected to frequent physical assaults and demanding tasks considered inappropriate for her age. Sources within the community also revealed that she had been unwell for about two weeks prior to the incident.
A resident, Adekunle Taofeek, said the situation worsened when the couple allegedly assaulted the child despite her health condition, after which she became unresponsive.
“She had been sick, yet the treatment she received at home did not change. What happened that day was the breaking point,” he said.
It was gathered that the couple later took the child to a hospital, where she was confirmed dead on arrival.
Suspicion grew among neighbours, leading to heightened tension in the area. Some youths reportedly intervened, apprehending the woman, while the man was also held after allegedly attempting to move the child’s body.
Another resident said the incident might have gone unnoticed if the community had not raised concerns about the child’s sudden absence.
The matter was subsequently reported at the Igando Police Division, prompting the deployment of officers to the scene. The couple was taken into custody, and the child’s body was recovered.
A police source disclosed that initial claims by the suspects suggested the child died during treatment at a medical facility. However, preliminary findings indicated she was already lifeless before arrival at the hospital.
The case is expected to be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation.
Community members have called for a thorough probe into the incident, with many demanding justice for the deceased child.
