Residents of the Igando area of Lagos State have been left in shock following the death of a 10-year-old adopted girl allegedly beaten to death by her guardians, Paul Onyeama and Adline Ogbonna.
The tragic incident reportedly occurred on Sunday at their residence on Jemesi Papa Street after weeks of alleged maltreatment.
Neighbours said the girl, identified as Faith, had been sick for about two weeks but was still allegedly subjected to regular abuse, including physical assaults and being sent on strenuous errands despite her condition.
A resident, Adekunle Taofeek, said the situation escalated on Sunday when the couple allegedly beat the already-ailing child, after which she became unresponsive and later died.
According to him, the child had long been a victim of repeated abuse in the household.
Another resident, who asked not to be named, said the couple initially tried to conceal the incident. The woman was reportedly seen going about household chores as if nothing had happened, while the man was allegedly making arrangements to dispose of the body.
Alarm was raised by neighbours who had been monitoring the situation, leading to the discovery that the child had died.
Read Also;
17 Islamic School Pupils Rescued in Kogi Kidnap Attack as Security Operatives Search for Others
The matter was reported to the Igando Police Division, after which operatives moved in and arrested the couple. The body of the child was also recovered from the scene.
A police source said the suspects claimed during interrogation that the child was ill and died while receiving treatment at a hospital, but preliminary findings reportedly suggested she was already dead before being brought in.
The body has been deposited for further examination, while the case is expected to be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Panti for deeper investigation.
A community source involved in the case also said a hospital confirmed the child was brought in dead, contradicting the suspects’ claim.
Meanwhile, residents have called for a thorough investigation and prosecution, as the incident continues to generate outrage in the area.
