The Lagos State Government has intervened in a disturbing child neglect case, rescuing a toddler allegedly abandoned after being accused of witchcraft.
The case gained attention after a viral video showed the child in a severely distressed condition, appearing malnourished, dressed only in a diaper, and seen drinking from an unclean container.
The alarm was first raised on X by @TheGrandmaBoy, who shared the condition of the child and alleged that the mother abandoned her over claims that she was a witch.
“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,” the post read.
The user also provided a location in Ipaja, Lagos, calling for urgent intervention and alleging severe neglect of the child.
The claims, however, could not be independently verified at the time of filing this report.
Responding swiftly, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Print Media, Ridwan Ajetunmobi, confirmed that the state government had taken action and rescued the child.
” Lagos State Government has rescued the child,” he wrote.
He further disclosed that the Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, and his team traced the address shared in the viral post to verify the situation.
“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.
Authorities say investigations are ongoing to determine the full circumstances surrounding the alleged neglect.
