The Nigerian Police have confirmed the rescue of a young girl who appeared severely malnourished in a viral Facebook video, following allegations that her father, a police officer, subjected her to starvation and prolonged abuse. The child is now receiving medical treatment, according to police spokesperson Timfon John in Akwa Ibom State.
Viral Video Sparks Outrage
The initial video, posted on Facebook last Thursday by Jennifer Inyang, showed her standing beside a visibly emaciated girl along Ikpa Road in Uyo. Inyang alleged that the child's father, whom she identified as Inspector Daniel Akpan, was attached to the Police Division in Itu Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State. In the video, Inyang could be heard appealing to someone to film the girl's condition. “I am on Ikpa Road in Uyo. Come and record this girl,” she said while placing a hand on the girl's shoulder.
Inyang alleged that the girl had been repeatedly beaten, bullied, and denied food. “They have beaten her, bullied her and inflicted machete cuts on her. They have starved this child,” she said, adding that people around the scene identified the girl's father as a police officer. Unidentified voices off-camera made additional allegations, including claims that the girl was struck with a hammer and burned with fire.
Details of Alleged Abuse
Inyang further claimed she was informed the girl's mother died shortly after childbirth and alleged that the officer had “nine children with nine different women.” She also alleged that he encouraged his other children to maltreat the girl. Appealing to the Akwa Ibom State Government, the Office of the First Lady, and the Ministry of Women Affairs, she said: “I am standing here today as a mother. From this moment, this child should no longer remain in that environment. I will take her to the government and, if the law permits, adopt her.”
Throughout the video, the girl appeared weak and severely undernourished. Her ribs were visible beneath her clothing, while a piece of black cloth was wrapped around her foot, near what looked like a wound. As she gently lifted part of the girl's clothing to reveal her emaciated frame, Inyang said emotionally, “Look at this little girl. She has been deprived of food. From today, I consider her my child.”
Hospital Updates and Police Investigation
In videos later shared from a hospital where the girl was receiving treatment, she was seen eating a plate of rice while Inyang spoke to her. “I bought chocolate, popcorn, everything that will make you happy,” Inyang told the girl. In one video, the girl identified her father as “Inspector Daniel Akpan.” Inyang later shared photographs of a man she alleged was the child's father, writing: “Here is the father of this girl. Daniel Okon Akpan. Inspector, Itu Division.” She also posted a video showing the girl being wheeled in for an X-ray and shared her bank account details on Facebook, apparently seeking financial support for medical bills.
Responding to enquiries from PREMIUM TIMES, the police spokesperson in Akwa Ibom State, Timfon John, confirmed the child had been rescued and was receiving medical attention. “The victim has been successfully rescued and taken to a medical facility, where she is currently receiving medical attention,” John said in a statement. She added that preliminary police findings indicate that the girl's father is a serving police officer currently posted to the police command in Delta, contrary to Inyang's claims that he serves in Itu Division, Akwa Ibom. Investigators are working to establish the full circumstances surrounding the alleged abuse.
Social Media Reactions
The video drew widespread reactions from Facebook users, with many calling for immediate intervention. “I'm so devastated. God bless you for the show of love to the innocent girl,” Iniobong Akpakpan wrote. “God bless you, Ma'am. If the girl would like to tell you the truth, there's more to this,” Kataleya Ekpo commented. However, George Imowo urged caution: “All this your story is hearsay, abi. Don't conclude until you hear from both sides,” he wrote. Another user, Abigail Akpan, stressed the girl's immediate welfare: “You've done well to expose (this). But while seeking justice, the girl should be given medical attention immediately.”
