A five-year-old girl has been rescued from alleged prolonged physical and emotional abuse by her guardian in Owode-Ede, Osun State.
The victim, who lost her father years ago, had been in the custody of her aunt, Mrs. Gbemisola Oladepo. She was rescued through the intervention of the Monsurat Ajoke Foundation in collaboration with the Osun State Government.
Executive Director of the foundation, Monsurat Ajoke, said her team acted after receiving reports of the child’s ordeal. The girl was reportedly found with multiple bruises and injuries consistent with sustained abuse.
She was immediately taken to the Osun State University Teaching Hospital for treatment, while operatives of Zone XI Police Headquarters, Osogbo, arrested Oladepo, who is currently being investigated for child abuse.
Condemning the act, Ajoke stressed that children must never be subjected to violence, regardless of circumstances.
“Every child deserves love, dignity, and protection. No hardship or situation justifies abuse. If you cannot care for a child, seek help—do not destroy an innocent life,” she said.
She described the case as a stark reminder of the silent suffering of many orphans and children placed in the care of relatives. Ajoke urged communities to report abuse, support vulnerable families, and protect children who cannot speak for themselves.
“The way we treat children today determines the future of our society. Let us be women who heal and protect, not those who destroy,” she added.
The foundation pledged to continue its advocacy and rehabilitation work while calling on stakeholders to unite against child abuse in Osun State and beyond.
Osun Police Arrest Woman as NGO Saves Child From Prolonged Abuse
