Residents of the Igando area in Lagos State have been thrown into shock following the alleged killing of a 10-year-old adopted girl, Faith, by her guardians, Paul Onyeama and Adline Ogbonna.
The incident reportedly occurred on Sunday after weeks of suspected abuse. Neighbours alleged that the couple subjected the child to repeated assaults and excessive chores despite her young age.
A resident, Adekunle Taofeek, said the situation became more troubling when the girl fell ill for about two weeks but continued to face maltreatment.
According to him, the child was allegedly beaten severely on Sunday, leading to her death. The suspects were said to have taken her to a hospital, where she was confirmed dead on arrival.
Another resident, who preferred not to be named, claimed the couple initially kept the child’s body in their apartment and acted normally, raising suspicion among neighbours when the girl was not seen.
Concerned residents reportedly alerted authorities after discovering the situation. The suspects were later apprehended by youths in the area before the case was reported at the Igando Police Division.
Police officers subsequently arrived at the scene, arrested the couple, and recovered the body. A police source indicated that although the suspects claimed the child died during treatment, preliminary findings suggest she was already dead before being taken to the hospital.
The case is expected to be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Panti, for further investigation.
The incident has renewed concerns over cases of child abuse in Lagos State, with calls for justice and stronger protection for vulnerable children.