Outrage on social media has led to the arrest of a man seen in a viral video brutally beating a toddler in Ikorodu, Lagos.
In the video which spread quickly on Tuesday, the man was seen flogging the little child repeatedly on the head and body with what appeared to be a charger cable. The disturbing clip triggered anger across the country, with many Nigerians demanding justice for the child.
Acting swiftly, the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, DSVA, said it got wind of the video on Tuesday, September 22, and immediately activated its response team.
The agency said it reached out to the child's mother, who confirmed that she had already reported the abuse at Imota Police Station. The Family Support Unit of the police also confirmed that the case was earlier lodged with the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Agency, LNSA.
By Wednesday, September 23, the suspect had been tracked down and arrested. He is now in police custody while investigations continue.
The DSVA disclosed that both the toddler and her mother have been taken to the General Hospital for urgent medical care and examination.
The agency assured that it will keep monitoring the case and ensure the child and her mother receive the necessary support and protection.
Reaffirming its stance, the Lagos State Government said it has zero tolerance for child abuse and will continue to strengthen systems to safeguard children in the state.
Before the arrest, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, NAPTIP, had also announced that it was working with security agencies to fish out the man in the video and ensure he faces the law.
