Couple Beat 11-year-old Daughter to Death in Lagos

Segun Atanda/

An 11-year-old girl has allegedly been beaten to death by her mother and stepfather at Ikotun, in Alimosho area of Lagos.

The victim, identified as Chineyem, was said to have slumped and died, on Monday morning, while being brutalised by the couple, at their residence, located on Oshidele Street, Ile Epo, Ikotun.

Neighbours said the couple, especially the child’s mother, were fond of beating the girl at the slightest provocation.

They claimed the couple usually beat the victim with all kind of objects and often bang her head against the wall.

They believe the woman, who is commonly as Mama Chineyem in the neighbourhood, had transferred the deep hatred she has for the victim’s father to her.

Newsmakers learned that the husband was arrested by the police, on Monday, while the women has fled with her three remaining.

Policemen from Ikotun Division were also said to have retrieved the corpse of the victim.

Police confirmed the arrest of the man but declined to disclose his identity.

Police spokesman, ASP Olarinde Famous-Cole, said the man was the only one accused of the crime, but has denied the allegation.

He said the corpse had been taken to Igando General Hospital for autopsy, which would ascertain the actual cause of death.

He added that detectives would also interview neighbours to confirm if the couple had been abusive towards the victim.

“A male suspect, who is the victim’s father is in custody. He, however, denied killing his own child. We have taken the corpse for autopsy. They will also check for possible signs of violence on the body. All these will help us ascertain the actual cause of death. We will also speak with neighbours to determine if the family has a history of abuse,” Famous-Cole stated.

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