Police in Lagos have detained a Nigerian man for reportedly brutalizing his eight-year-old daughter when she showed early indications of puberty.
The victim's left breast was entirely hacked off by her father, Adegboyega, after he used a hot stone to massage his daughter's breast to stop it from developing, according to Ebenezer Omejalile, Chief Operating Officer of Advocates for Children and Vulnerable People's Network.
The father, who attempted to blame his actions on his wife, was apprehended by police last Friday, thanks to the intervention of the Advocates and the Inclusive Social Welfare Unit of the Ministry of Youth and Social Development, Ajegunle.
Omejalile stated that he will be charged in court today (Monday).
He stated, "
“Her biological father beat up on this small girl because he couldn't understand why she developed breasts so quickly.
“He pretended to be a doctor and heartlessly threw a stone into a fire to massage her breasts to stop them from growing larger.
“She got burned on her left breast after the father gave her a hot water massage because he believes the child is too young to develop breasts.
“For the same reason, the girl's mother complained of excessive beating. Surprisingly, the father is a professional engineer; we struck up a chat with him, and he acknowledged to the crime.
“He tried to put his negative actions on his wife; the most irritating part was when he claimed he bathed the 8-year-old (daughter) every day.
“This is a warning sign; the young girl is in excruciating pain. In addition, we observed that Aishat's left breast had been completely severed as a result of the father's brutality.
“However, he was apprehended at 9.30 p.m. on Friday. He is now in arrest and will appear in court on Monday to face charges.
“This is a good result for us; it is the product of good collaborative effort from Inclusive Social Welfare, the Ministry of Youth and Social Development, the social welfare office in Ajegunle, and the Ajegunle police station.”