More facts have come to the fore on why a nine-year-old boy, Akorede Taiwo, was chained down like a dog for two weeks in the premises of a Celestial Church of Christ (Key of Joy Parish) in Ogun State.
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Ogun state Command on Friday, rescued the boy at Ajibawo village along Atan-Ota in Ado-Odo Ota Local Government Area.
Giving an update on the mater, the NSCDC said the boy was alleged by his step mother, Kehinde, to have been stealing especially from a soup pot
Kehinde was said to have reported to her husband, Taiwo, the Pastor of the Church, who then chained the boy down with padlock.
The boy was said to be like that for two weeks until a good Samaritan informed NSCDC officials on surveillance patrol of critical infrastructure in the area, following which they immediately swung into action and eventually rescued him.
According to the information from officer in charge of Ado-Odo NSCDC Division who led the rescue operation, the boy who had been chained for two weeks was tired and pail and was not able to talk when he was initially rescued.
On getting to the church, the NSCDC officials said there was serious resistance by members led by the Pastor’s wife Kehinde, but Civil defence Corps men insisted and they were able to force their way into the church premises.
The boy was said to be “actually under lock and key.” They quickly took him to the office for necessary entries and documentation and proceeded to the General Hospital, Ota.
Before NSCDC left the hospital, he has been responding to treatment and started talking.
However, the Hospital Medical Director one Dr. Osinbajo, assured the Corps that the boy will get necessary medical attention.
Meanwhile, the Corps said it has since liaised with the Police at Atan, who promised to continue with the investigation and do all necessary things needed.
When contacted, the NSCDC Public Relations Officer, CSC Kareem Olanrewaju, said the step mother; Kehinde and the chain with padlock have been handed over to the police for further investigation and prosecution.
However, the Pastor of the Church who is the boy’s father, Taiwo, is said to have escaped.
