Govt may take custody of battered toddler

Police arraign father in court today

The Lagos State government has expressed readiness to take over welfare of a toddler, who was beaten with hot iron by her father last week.

Police spokesman, Dolapo Badmos The Guardian on telephone yesterday that the state government has indicated interest to take charge of the child who is already receiving treatment at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH).

According to Badmos, a Superintendent of Police, “the child is still recovering in the hospital while the suspect will face the court on Monday.

However, the Lagos State government, through its domestic and sexual response team at the Ministry of Youth and Social Development, has shown interest in taking over the welfare of the child.

The child’s father, 46-year-old Surakat Idowu, had allegedly burnt his five-year-old daughter with hot iron on the face and private part at their residence in No. 8, Kayode Toyoso Street, off Liasu Road, Ikotun, because she slipped and fell inside a gutter.

It was gathered that the suspect gave the toddler waste to pour into the latrine but she slipped on her way and fell into a gutter.

Angered by the development, the man beat the girl up before burning her with hot iron.

The girl’s mother has been separated from her abusive father for over two years and efforts were on to locate her.