Members of the Advocates for Children and Vulnerable Persons Network (ACVPN) have questioned the credibility of claims that the severely burnt child accidentally fell into a pot of hot water.
This is coming amid reports that the child’s step-mother fled after becoming aware that concerned neighbours had alerted child-protection non-governmental organisations, while her husband, who is also the victim’s father, was arrested by the police.
However, the police in Lagos have launched an investigation into the case of the seven-year-old girl, seeing it as abuse and medical neglect.
The victim has been identified as Anuoluwapo Mercy Oladunjoye, who was rescued in critical condition from her home in New Oko Oba, Lagos.
The incident occurred at No. 34 Udeh Street, New Oko Oba, where the child was found alone and severely unwell after neighbours alerted authorities.
According to preliminary reports, the child allegedly sustained burns after falling into a neighbour’s pot of hot water. However, child rights advocates have disputed this account, alleging prolonged abuse and neglect.
Operatives of the New Oko Oba Police Division reportedly stormed the residence following a tip-off and discovered the child locked indoors without medical care.
She was immediately taken to Ayodele Medical Centre, Fagba, where she is currently receiving treatment.
Confirming the development, the matron of the facility, identified as Hussein, said the child was admitted in a critical state. “She is undergoing treatment and requires close medical attention,” she said.
The child’s father, Tosin Oladunjoye, 37, has been taken into police custody, while the stepmother, Favour Oladunjoye, aged about 23, is reportedly on the run and has been declared wanted by the police.
Authorities say no other family members have come forward since the rescue.
The case is expected to be transferred to the Lagos State Police Command, Ikeja, Gender Unit, for further investigation.
Reacting to the incident, the founder of the Advocates for Children and Vulnerable Persons Network (ACVPN), Ebenezer M. Omejalile, strongly questioned the narrative that the child’s injuries resulted from an accident.
“I totally disagree with the report that the child fell into a pot of hot soup,” Omejalile said. “From the evidence available, this account does not add up. Common sense suggests that this child may have been subjected to injuries over a long period and deliberately kept indoors. No child should be treated this way, and we will ensure the truth comes out.”
In an update, ACVPN representatives who visited the child at the hospital disclosed that medical examinations revealed severe malnutrition.
According to the matron, a paediatrician diagnosed Anuoluwapo with anaemia and acute protein deficiency.
The child was described as underdeveloped for her age, with both legs in a critical condition affecting her ability to walk, and an apparent loss of speech suspected to be trauma-related.
Further findings indicated that the family had previously been reported to the Red House Police Station in Iju by a concerned neighbour over the alleged inhumane treatment of the child.
Although the father and stepmother were reportedly arrested at the time, they were later released after signing an undertaking, and the child was returned to the same home.
ACVPN said numerous scars on the child’s body suggested repeated and prolonged abuse.
The organisation has since contacted the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development to request emergency shelter placement for the victim.
The Director overseeing child welfare at the ministry reportedly assured ACVPN that the Family Social Services unit would intervene and closely monitor the case.
Police officials have also shown concern. ACVPN representatives said the Divisional Police Officer of New Oko Oba Division dispatched officers to conduct regular welfare checks on the child, while the Divisional Crime Officer visited the hospital and assured caregivers that justice would be pursued.
A mandated reporter involved in the case expressed fears that the child could be returned to the same hostile environment after recovery.
“She was described by neighbours as lively and able to speak before, but she is now mute,” the reporter said, adding that no relatives have visited since the father’s arrest.
As investigations continue, authorities have appealed to the public for information that could lead to the arrest of the fleeing step-mother. Members of the public are urged to report any sightings to the nearest police station.
Meanwhile, child rights advocates and concerned agencies, including the Lagos State Ministries of Youth and Social Development and Women Affairs, have been called upon to ensure the child is placed in a safe shelter and provided long-term care as the case unfolds.
