In a distressing incident that has come to light in Ikorodu, Lagos, an orphaned boy living under the care of a woman known only as Alhaja is reportedly enduring severe physical abuse.
The alarm was raised by a local school owner who sent a frantic message to the Concerned Parents and Educators Network (CPE), a popular Facebook page coordinated by education consultant Yinka Ogunde.
The initial message, which sought to create awareness and provide necessary assistance for the boy, described his living conditions as dire.
The school owner reported that the boy had been subjected to regular beatings, leading to severe injuries.
A recent photograph sent to CPE revealed the horrifying extent of the abuse, showing a hole in the boy’s head, presumably from the beatings.
In response to the urgent nature of the situation, CPE is seeking immediate guidelines on how to proceed and involve the relevant government bodies.
“CPE would appreciate guidelines on how to move speedily on this and the relevant government body. We want to try and save this boy within 24 hours,” Yinka Ogunde stated, emphasizing the need for a swift and coordinated effort.
The boy’s school provided additional insights into his plight.
According to the school, the boy joined last term, but two weeks into his attendance, teachers discovered bruises all over his body.
“While interrogating him, he said he stole Alhaja’s things and he was beaten… It turns out to be a daily thing,” the school reported.
The situation took a more alarming turn when the boy, who had been absent from school since the beginning of the current term, resumed with visible and severe injuries.
“He resumed today and I was surprised seeing him like this. I was speechless. While interrogating him, he said it was a kind of disease (ela). I believe there’s more to this,” the school added.
CPE, along with concerned individuals, is calling for immediate intervention from child protection services and relevant government authorities to ensure the boy’s safety and well-being.
