The Lagos State Government has rescued a child allegedly abandoned and subjected to neglect by her mother over claims of being a witch.
In the viral video, the child was seen in a visibly distressed condition, appearing malnourished and wearing only a diaper, while drinking from an unclean container.
An X user, identified as @TheGrandmaBoy, on Sunday, April 12, raised alarm over the condition of the child after posting a sad video of the child in a poor state and unattended to. The X user had claimed the toddler was abandoned by her mother who accused her of witchcraft.
“URGENT ATTENTION NEEDED LAGOS
Concerned neighbours raise alarm
concerning a three-year-old toddler that has been literally abandoned by the mother who believes that she’s a w!tch and deserves to dle.
Please help us repost and report this to the Lagos authorities or to individuals who can help this baby.
They live at No 1 Julius Oyenkule Street, Off Opessa Street, Ipaja. This case deserves to be investigated to save this poor child from further abu$e as you can see her drinking from a dirty plastic container to quench her thirst, and looks malnourished”
Reacting to the video, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Print Media, Ridwan Ajetunmobi, confirmed that the state government had taken action.
” Lagos State Government has rescued the child. The Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, and his team were able to trace the address to ascertain the veracity of the claim.
The child is presently in the custody of the State Government, while the police are investigating the matter.
Further update on this will be shared later.”