Residents of Jemesi Papa Street in the Igando area of Lagos have been left in shock following the tragic death of a 10-year-old girl, identified as Faith, under disturbing circumstances involving alleged abuse and neglect.
The child was said to have endured weeks of maltreatment before her death, with neighbours claiming she had been ill for about two weeks but continued to suffer physical abuse and harsh treatment. The situation reportedly escalated on a Sunday when the couple she lived with allegedly beat her despite her frail condition.
The suspects, identified as Paul Onyeama and his wife, Adline, are currently in police custody after the incident, which has sparked outrage within the community.
A neighbour, Ferdinand Igwe, recounted that suspicion arose late Sunday night after he observed unusual movements in the compound, including the arrival of unfamiliar visitors through the backyard. The following morning, the wife’s behaviour further raised concerns as she appeared withdrawn and repeatedly moved in and out of the apartment.
The situation took a dramatic turn when a group of women entered the apartment and began shouting that the child was dead. Igwe said he forced his way into the room and found the girl’s lifeless body already stiff, suggesting she had died hours earlier.
Residents who gathered at the scene expressed anger and disbelief, with some attempting to attack the female suspect before being restrained. Many were particularly disturbed by claims that the child’s body had remained in the room overnight.
Further accounts from neighbours indicated that the girl had shown signs of prolonged abuse, including malnourishment and frequent crying. She was reportedly not enrolled in school and was often made to carry heavy loads and run errands beyond her capacity.
Additional allegations suggest the male suspect may have attempted to remove the body before the incident became public. However, he was prevented from leaving the compound by residents.
Community sources and local activists said the child was later taken to a hospital, where she was confirmed dead on arrival, contradicting claims that she died while receiving treatment.
Police officers from the Igando Division subsequently visited the scene, arrested the couple, and recovered the body. The case has since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Panti, for further investigation.
Investigations also revealed that the victim had been brought to Lagos from Ebonyi State about six months earlier and was reportedly a relative of the female suspect. Despite this, neighbours said she was treated differently from the couple’s biological children.
As investigations continue, residents have called for justice, describing the incident as deeply disturbing and a reminder of the dangers faced by vulnerable children behind closed doors.