A VIDEO showing a man kicking a young child with brutal force has triggered widespread condemnation, prompting the Ogun State Police Command to launch a manhunt for the suspect.
The footage, which quickly went viral after being shared by Facebook user Adelere Rasaki on Thursday, captured the heart-wrenching moment the child was knocked to the ground, hitting his head and bursting into a loud cry. The video has sparked nationwide outrage, with many calling for swift justice.
Rasaki, in his post, identified the man as Odukaye Kunle and urged the public to help track him down.
“This man, Odukaye Kunle, by name is not supposed to be living among the sane. Please help repost till the long hand of the law gets to him. He resides at 16 Popoola Street, Oko Baale, Ado Odo Ota, Ogun State,” he wrote.
The Explainer gathered that the video caught the attention of the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, who swiftly called on the Ogun State Police Command to act.
“#OgunPoliceNG #PoliceNG, take up this immediately and revert. This is sad and callous. Why?? Anger is destructive,” Adejobi posted on X.com on Friday.
He also stressed the need for urgent medical assessment for the child, warning of possible internal injuries.
“Also confirm if the child has been accorded medical attention, assessment and treatment because of possible head injury or internal bleeding. The impact on him is much. Let’s act fast on this,” he added.
The Explainer learned that police have intensified efforts to locate Kunle, urging anyone with relevant information to assist in the investigation.
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This incident is the latest in a string of child abuse cases that have gained attention across Nigeria. Reports indicate that child maltreatment remains a pressing issue in the country. According to a 2022 UNICEF report, six out of ten children in Nigeria experience some form of violence before the age of 18, with physical abuse being one of the most common forms.
Experts have warned that such acts of violence have long-term psychological and physical effects on children. Studies have consistently shown that victims of childhood abuse are more likely to suffer from anxiety, depression, and trauma-related disorders in adulthood. For instance, research indicates that childhood physical and sexual abuse correlates with an increased risk of specific phobias, generalized anxiety disorder, and panic disorder.
Additionally, emotional neglect and abuse in early years are significant risk factors for social phobia. Another study highlights that childhood psychological maltreatment is associated with mental health problems persisting into adulthood, including anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), suicidal ideation, and aggression.
The Explainer gathered that advocacy groups have renewed calls for stronger enforcement of child protection laws in Nigeria, including the Child Rights Act, which criminalises abuse and provides for the welfare of minors. Despite its provisions, enforcement remains weak in many states, leading to continued cases of violence against children.
As the search for Kunle continues, the Ogun State Police Command has urged members of the public to provide credible information to aid in his arrest. Authorities have also assured that the case will be thoroughly investigated and justice will be served.
