A 10-year-old girl named Faith has died in Lagos State after allegedly being subjected to prolonged abuse and neglect by her guardians, sparking widespread outrage and prompting immediate police intervention. The tragic incident occurred at Jemesi Papa Street, Modina Road, Egan, in the Igando area of Lagos, where Faith had been living with a couple identified as Adline Ogbonna and Onyema Paul, who are reportedly relatives. According to sources cited by SaharaReporters, the child was taken from her village to live with the couple, but instead faced persistent physical abuse and neglect, even while seriously ill.
The Lagos Coordinator of the TIB Movement, Adekunle Taofeeq, who visited the scene, revealed disturbing details about the girl’s final days. He stated that Faith had been sick for about two weeks, yet continued to be mistreated and beaten by the couple. “I was told she was given a bucket to fetch water while she was ill,” Taofeeq said, highlighting the severity of the neglect. Neighbours became concerned when the child stopped appearing outside, and suspicions grew when her body was discovered inside the room, unnoticed for an unknown period.
Taofeeq added that the wife was seen cooking and washing plates outside while the child’s body lay unattended inside. “This morning, someone suspected she might have died inside the house,” he said. Upon arrival, he confirmed the grim situation, took photographs and videos, and coordinated the evacuation of the body. He also revealed that the male guardian attempted to remove the corpse using a wheelbarrow, but was stopped by neighbours who feared he intended to dispose of it secretly.
In a troubling twist, the suspect claimed the girl was taken to a hospital while still alive. However, Taofeeq contacted the doctor at the facility, who confirmed that the girl was brought in dead. The doctor also stated that she had been taken to a nearby pharmacy first, where she was declared deceased upon arrival. This contradicts the suspect’s version of events, suggesting a deliberate attempt to cover up the abuse and possible murder.
Law enforcement officials from the Igando Division of the Nigeria Police Force were swiftly alerted and responded to the scene. The suspects, Adline Ogbonna and Onyema Paul, have since been arrested and are in custody as investigations continue. Authorities are working to evacuate the body for further forensic examination and to determine the exact cause of death. This case has reignited calls for stronger child protection measures in Nigeria, as communities demand justice for Faith and accountability for those who failed to protect her.
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