Mother cries out over domestic violence, threats to life in Lagos

A Lagos mother, Mrs. Damilola O. Oladeinde, has raised alarm over persistent domestic violence and life-threatening attacks allegedly perpetrated by her child’s father and members of his family.

Mrs. Oladeinde disclosed that the abuse, which escalated between late September and early October 2023, has left her traumatised and living in constant fear for her safety and that of her child.

According to her, she has repeatedly been beaten, threatened with knives, and subjected to death threats. She further alleged that the situation worsened after she refused to allow her child’s father’s family to inscribe tribal marks on her child.

It was gathered that her child was once forcibly taken away by the father and his family, prompting her to lodge a complaint at Adeniji Police Station on October 5, 2023. With police intervention, she was able to recover her child.

Despite that, Mrs. Oladeinde maintained that the threats have not ceased, as the alleged abuser continued to pursue her with armed men, leaving her “deeply traumatised and unsafe.”

Human rights advocates have urged the authorities to act swiftly, stressing that her case highlights the growing concern over unchecked domestic violence in Nigeria.