The Lagos State Police Command has successfully rescued two infants who were found locked in an apartment on Adelakun Street, Iju Ishaga area of Lagos State. The toddlers were discovered in a severely neglected state during the operation.
The rescue was prompted by the efforts of Advocate for Children and Vulnerable Persons Network, a rights group, which alleged that the children’s mother had been battling substance abuse. The group’s Chief Operating Officer, Ebenezer Omejalile, revealed that concerned residents alerted them to the situation.
Omejalile explained, “Residents reported that the mother, who is allegedly struggling with substance abuse, would lock her children inside their apartment and leave them alone for the entire day. These minors were left to fend for themselves in deplorable conditions. The DPO of the Red House Police Station was informed, and the infants were rescued.”
A video shared with our correspondent showed one of the infants crying while locked in the apartment. Another video depicted the children eating after their rescue.
This incident marks the second time the police have had to rescue these toddlers from similar circumstances. Omejalile noted that the previous Divisional Police Officer had also rescued the children, only for them to be returned to their mother under government care.
Omejalile said, “Several months ago, the same issue was reported at the police station. The then DPO responded promptly and rescued the children. However, despite the intervention, the children were returned to their mother’s care, a decision that has left many, including the former DPO, baffled.”
The state Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the rescue and assured that the children are now in safe hands.