The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has confirmed it is investigating a viral video showing a man repeatedly flogging a toddler with what appears to be a charger cable. The agency, in a statement on Wednesday, said it is working with relevant security agencies to identify, locate, and prosecute the perpetrator to the full extent of the law.
Viral Video Sparks Outrage
The footage, which circulated on X on Wednesday, shows a shirtless man in shorts striking a young child across the head and body. The blows knock the toddler to a tiled floor, where she is seen crying and using her hands to shield her head as the beating continues. The man is heard speaking sharply to the child in Yoruba, as the child struggles to hide her head.
The video spread quickly across social media, with many Nigerians calling for the man to be identified and arrested. One user, PANACHE (@PanacheTVA), shared the clip with the caption: "Please who is this beast!!!! He needs to be arrested!!!!!"
NAPTIP's Response and Appeal
In response, NAPTIP tweeted: "Child abuse will never be tolerated. We have noted the viral video and are working with relevant security agencies to identify, locate, and prosecute the perpetrator to the full extent of the law. Anyone with useful information should send us a DM, info@naptip.gov.ng, or 627."
The agency has appealed to anyone with information about the man's identity or whereabouts to come forward via direct message, email, or its shortcode 627. It said it would never tolerate child abuse and pledged to pursue prosecution.
Context of Child Abuse Cases
The incident adds to a run of viral child-abuse cases in Nigeria this year that have drawn NAPTIP's attention. In July, a woman in Abia State was filmed appearing to threaten a young girl with a knife during a violent altercation, a video that also drew calls for her arrest. Separately, the agency opened a probe into a Lagos daycare centre in February after resurfaced social media posts raised abuse allegations.
No arrest has yet been announced in Wednesday's case, but NAPTIP said its investigation is ongoing. The agency's commitment to prosecuting the perpetrator underscores the seriousness with which it treats such cases, and it continues to urge the public to cooperate with authorities in bringing the individual to justice.
