Lagos Government Rescues Malnourished Child Abandoned Over Witchcraft Allegations
The Lagos State Government has taken swift action to rescue a young child who was allegedly abandoned and subjected to severe neglect by her mother due to claims of witchcraft. This intervention follows a viral social media outcry that highlighted the child's distressing condition, sparking widespread concern and calls for immediate assistance.
Viral Video Sparks Urgent Response
On Sunday, April 12, an X user identified as @TheGrandmaBoy posted a video that quickly went viral, showing a three-year-old toddler in a visibly distressed state. The child appeared malnourished, wearing only a diaper, and was seen drinking from an unclean plastic container to quench her thirst. The user raised an alarm, stating that the toddler had been abandoned by her mother, who believed the child was a witch and deserved to die.
The post included an urgent plea for help, providing the address as No 1 Julius Oyenkule Street, Off Opessa Street, Ipaja, Lagos. It called on the public to report the case to Lagos authorities or individuals who could intervene to save the child from further abuse and ensure an investigation into the matter.
Government Confirms Rescue Operation
In response to the viral video, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Print Media, Ridwan Ajetunmobi, confirmed that the Lagos State Government had taken decisive action. He stated that the Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, along with his team, successfully traced the address to verify the claims and rescue the child.
The child is now in the custody of the state government, where she is receiving necessary care and attention. Meanwhile, the police have launched an investigation into the incident to determine the full circumstances and hold accountable those responsible for the neglect.
Ongoing Investigation and Updates
Authorities have assured the public that further updates on the case will be shared as the investigation progresses. This incident underscores the critical role of social media in raising awareness about child welfare issues and the importance of government responsiveness in protecting vulnerable children from harm and abuse in Lagos State.
