The Ogun State Government has taken custody of a four-year-old boy (name withheld) who was physically abused by his father in Igboko, Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area.
Media Talk Africa reports that a human rights activist, Adetoun Onajobi, popularly known as JustAdetoun, had on Saturday called out the state government on Instagram and alerted the public about the incident.
According to a video seen by our correspondent, the boy, who was wearing red shorts with white stripes, had visible bruises on his back, stomach, and head.
Reacting to the incident on Sunday, the Ogun State Government, through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, stated that it had taken decisive action to rescue the victim and ensure that the perpetrator faces the full weight of the law.
The commissioner, Adijat Adeleye, disclosed this in a statement signed and made available to Media Talk Africa in Abeokuta, the state capital.
Adeleye noted that the child has since been placed under the protective custody of the Ministry, where he is receiving comprehensive medical care and emotional support.
She said, “Acting on reports from concerned individuals, our officials rescued a four-year-old boy (name withheld) in Igboko, Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area, who had been brutally assaulted by his father.
“The child has since been placed under the protective custody of the Ministry, where he is receiving comprehensive medical care and emotional support.
“At present, the child is stable and responding well to medical treatment, with further tests and evaluations being conducted to ensure his full recovery.”
The commissioner, while assuring the public that justice would be served, confirmed that the alleged perpetrator is currently in police custody and that all necessary legal arrangements are underway.
She also reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to protecting vulnerable individuals and responding swiftly to child abuse cases, stressing that it will continue to uphold a zero-tolerance policy for child abuse.
