A tragic situation has unfolded in Igando, Lagos State, where a couple is being investigated after the death of their 10-year-old adopted daughter.
The residents say the situation had been building up quietly over time before it turned fatal.
According to neighbours, the child had been ill for about two weeks before her death. Moreover, she was allegedly still subjected to harsh treatment and sent on difficult errands despite her condition.
A resident, Adekunle Taofeek, described what he claimed had been ongoing abuse in the household.
“The couple had adopted a 10-year-old girl. They had been consistently maltreating and assaulting the child, while also sending her on unnecessary errands,” he said.
He further added, “I was informed that the girl had been sick for about two weeks, yet the abuse continued. Yesterday, both the husband and wife allegedly assaulted her despite her condition, and she later died.”
The child was reportedly rushed to a hospital after the incident. However, she was confirmed dead on arrival.
Meanwhile, another resident who spoke anonymously alleged that there was an attempt to conceal what had happened.
“The moment the girl died, they kept her in the room and acted like nothing had happened. The wife even went on to cook as if everything was normal,” the resident said.
In addition, the resident claimed that neighbours only became suspicious after noticing unusual silence around the child.
“It was people in the area who noticed unusual silence around the child that raised concern. If not for that, the matter may have been hidden,” the source added.
Moreover, the man was later held after allegedly attempting to make arrangements to move the child’s body.
Therefore, security agencies are expected to launch a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the child’s death.
