From Victim to Fortunes: Ogun Government Adopts Abused 12-year Old Girl, Offers Her Total Care

By: Israel Adeleke 

In a heart-wrenching turn of events that shook the community of Isewo Obada Oko, a 12-year-old girl whose identity is withheld, and whom that has become the center of a viral tragedy, has found favour in the sight of the state government. 

OPEN TELEVISION Naija gathered that this young girl suffered unimaginable abuse at the hands of her guardian, Temitope Adetanju, who inflicted severe physical harm for stealing a mere ₦650. 

OPEN TELEVISION Naija further gathered that the incident, confirmed by Police Public Relations Officer Omolola Odutola, which occurred on June 11, 2024, around 11:00 am, has since ignited a firestorm of public outrage.

The guardian who is a 25-year-old woman identified as Temitope Adetanju, inserted a piece of firewood into the young girl’s private part for stealing ₦650, Milo, fruits and biscuits.

The Police Public Relationship Officer, Omolola Odutola, said that on receiving this distress call, the Divisional Police Officer in Obada-Oko swifted into actions which led to her arrest. 

She explained that the police discovered that the 12-year-old girl had suffered severe physical abuse at the hands of her guardian.

Furthermore, OPEN TELEVISION Naija further gathered that the guardian admitted to committing the crimes she was accused of after been held into the police custody.

However, from the ashes of this atrocity, a story of hope emerges as the Ogun State Government, led by the compassionate vision of Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun, took a firm stand against child abuse. 

In swift turn of events in the life of the minor, the governor has directed the adoption of the victim by the state, ensuring her full care and the promise of a brighter future through education.

The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Adijat Adeleye, made this development known in a press statement on Friday. 

She expressed appreciation for the concerted efforts of concerned residents and stakeholders, whose involvement was pivotal in identifying and apprehending the alleged perpetrator.

She also disclosed that the State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has directed that the victim be adopted by the State Government. 

She elucidated that this adoption includes full care and a commitment to the child’s education, ensuring her future stability and growth.

Her words “following the update provided earlier regarding the apprehension of the perpetrator, Mrs. Adeyanju Temitope, who is currently in police custody, we would like to inform the public about the ongoing medical treatment being provided to the victim.

“This treatment will be followed up with psychosocial support, courtesy of the joint efforts of the State Ministries of Women Affairs and Social Development as well as Health.

“Additionally, the State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has graciously directed that the victim be adopted and fully cared for by the State Government, with plans for her education already in place.

“In light of the above, we earnestly plead with our partners and stakeholders in the media industry, especially social media influencers and users, to desist from the continuous sharing of the victim’s video. It is important to note that sharing videos involving the abuse of minors violates their dignity and can hinder their reintegration into the society.

“With the concerted efforts of the State Government, we firmly believe in the future of our children. This is a clarion call to always practice discretion when reporting cases involving child abuse and gender-based violence. 

“Rest assured, we remain committed to ensuring professionalism and protecting the privacy and dignity of victims.” she said.