Residents in Igando raise alarm as neighbours accuse couple of prolonged maltreatment and attempted cover-up after child dies following alleged assault

Residents of Igando in Lagos State are reeling after a couple, Paul Onyeama and Adline Ogbonna, were accused of allegedly assaulting their 10-year-old adopted daughter, Faith, leading to her death under disturbing circumstances.

The incident reportedly occurred on Sunday, April 26, following weeks of alleged maltreatment said to have gone unnoticed or unaddressed until it escalated fatally.

According to neighbours, the child had been unwell for about two weeks but was still allegedly subjected to harsh treatment and sent on strenuous errands during her illness.

A resident, Adekunle Taofeek, said the abuse had become a pattern before the situation turned tragic.

“The couple had adopted a 10-year-old girl. They had been consistently maltreating and assaulting the child, while also sending her on unnecessary errands,” he said.

“I was informed that the girl had been sick for about two weeks, yet the abuse continued. Yesterday, both the husband and wife allegedly assaulted her despite her condition, and she later died,” he added.

The child was reportedly taken to a hospital after the incident, where she was confirmed dead on arrival.

Another resident, who spoke anonymously, alleged that there was an attempt to conceal the death before neighbours raised the alarm.

“The moment the girl died, they kept her in the room and acted like nothing had happened. The wife even went on to cook as if everything was normal,” the resident said.

“It was people in the area who noticed unusual silence around the child that raised concern. If not for that, the matter may have been hidden.”

Tension rose in the community as youths reportedly apprehended the woman, while the man was later held after allegedly attempting to make arrangements to move the body.

Authorities are expected to investigate the circumstances surrounding the child’s death.