Residents of the Igando area of Lagos have been left in shock following the tragic death of a 10-year-old girl, identified as Faith, under circumstances suggesting prolonged abuse and neglect.
The incident, which occurred on Jemesi Papa Street in Egan, has drawn widespread outrage after neighbours alleged that the child suffered weeks of maltreatment before her death. According to residents, Faith had been ill for about two weeks but was still subjected to harsh treatment and strenuous labour.
The suspects, identified as Paul Onyeama and his wife, Adline, are currently in police custody after the case was reported at the Igando Police Division. The matter has since been transferred to the Lagos State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation.
A neighbour, Ferdinand Igwe, said suspicion arose late Sunday night after he noticed unusual movement in the compound, including the arrival of several unfamiliar men. By Monday morning, the behaviour of the female suspect—described as withdrawn and unusually quiet—further raised concerns.
The situation escalated when a group of women entered the apartment and later raised an alarm that the child was dead. Igwe said he forced his way into the room, where he discovered Faith’s lifeless body wrapped on a chair.
According to eyewitness accounts, the child’s body showed signs that suggested she had died hours earlier, with some residents alleging that the corpse had been kept inside the room overnight before the discovery.
Residents also described a pattern of abuse prior to the incident. They claimed the child was malnourished, not enrolled in school, and frequently made to carry heavy loads. Some said cries were often heard from the apartment, while others noted visible marks on her body.
Further allegations indicate that the male suspect may have attempted to remove the body before the incident became public, reportedly claiming he was looking for a vehicle to transport the child.
A civil society advocate, Taofeek Adekunle of the Take It Back Movement, said preliminary findings suggest the child was brought to a hospital already dead, contradicting claims that she died during treatment.
Investigations also revealed that Faith had been brought from Ebonyi State about six months earlier and was reportedly living with the suspects, who are said to be relatives.
The case has sparked anger among residents, with some attempting to attack the female suspect before being restrained. Community members have since called for justice and stricter measures to protect vulnerable children.
Authorities have yet to issue an official update, but the tragedy has renewed concerns over child abuse, domestic violence, and the need for stronger community vigilance and enforcement mechanisms to prevent similar incidents.
