The Lagos State Government has rescued a child allegedly abandoned and subjected to neglect over claims of witchcraft.
In the viral video, the child was seen in a visibly distressed condition, appearing malnourished and wearing only a diaper, while drinking from an unclean container.
The development followed a viral social media post by an X user, identified as @TheGrandmaBoy, who raised alarm over the condition of the child.
In the post, the user alleged that the toddler had been abandoned by her mother, who reportedly accused her of being 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 called on authorities to intervene, providing a location in Ipaja, Lagos, and alleging that the child appeared malnourished and was seen drinking from a dirty plastic container.
However, the claims could not be independently verified as of the time of filing this report.
Reacting, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Print Media, Ridwan Ajetunmobi, on Sunday, confirmed that the state government had taken action.
” Lagos State Government has rescued the child,” he wrote.
He added that the Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, and his team traced the address provided to verify the claims.
“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.