Lagos Rescues Malnourished Child Abandoned Over Witchcraft Claims

The Lagos State Government has rescued a three-year-old child allegedly abandoned over claims of witchcraft.

A video went viral on Sunday showing a child in a visibly disturbing condition, appearing malnourished and wearing only a diaper, while drinking from an unclean container.

As seen by TVC News, the video was posted on X by a user identified as @TheGrandmaBoy, who raised concerns over the condition of the child.

According to the post, the user alleged that the toddler was left to die by her mother, who reportedly accused her of being a witch.

The user called on Lagos State authorities to promptly rescue the toddler, providing a location in the Ipaja area of the state.

The post reads, “Concerned neighbours raise alarm concerning a three-year-old toddler that has been literally abandoned by the mother, who believes that she’s a witch and deserves to die. 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 post on Sunday, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Print Media, Ridwan Ajetunmobi, confirmed that the state government had taken action.

Ajetunmobi disclosed that a team led by Lagos Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, traced the address and rescued the child.

He wrote, “A few hours ago, I escalated the issue below to the Lagos Commissioner for Youth and Social Development @Mo_ogunlende, following the publication. The Commissioner and his team were able to trace the address and now, the child has been rescued.”

Sanwo-Olu aide further disclosed that the Lagos Police Command has launched investigation in to the matter, adding that further update will be communicated to the public.

“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,” He stated.