Police in Lagos have arrested two men accused of defiling their daughters in Surulere and Amukoko. The suspects were apprehended after the mothers reported the abuse to authorities.
- A 39-year-old man allegedly defiled his 12- and 14-year-old daughters in Surulere; his wife reported him.
- Another 48-year-old man allegedly assaulted his physically challenged 16-year-old daughter in Amukoko.
- Medical reports and witness accounts are aiding investigations; both girls are receiving medical care.
While arrests bring a measure of accountability, these cases expose a deeply unsettling reality: abuse often begins at home, masked by silence and fear. The willingness of the victims' mothers to speak out signals a quiet but powerful cultural shift, where family protection no longer means concealing abuse but confronting it.
The Lagos Police’s swift response also demonstrates a growing institutional readiness to treat such allegations with seriousness and sensitivity. However, justice is only one part of healing. These children now require long-term psychological support, not just legal recourse.
As the state pursues prosecution, this moment calls for deeper national reflection. What systems are in place to support children before abuse escalates? And how can communities become safe spaces for survivors, not just after the crime, but before it ever occurs?
Ultimately, protecting children must be seen not just as law enforcement’s responsibility, but a collective societal mandate.
