A 14-year-old girl, identified as Onyeka John, has regained freedom after she was allegedly chained by her parents to the burglar-proof bars for running away from home.
The teenage girl lived with her parents in a rented apartment on Serebe Street, Abaranje, in the Ikotun area of Lagos State, Punch Metro reports.
It was also learnt that the parents tied her by the neck and legs for habitually running away from home, which they ascribed to mental illness.
She was rescued after the landlord, Mr Oladapo Olubajo noticed her and alerted the security operatives at the Ikotun division.
A resident who spoke with the daily said that, “The parents locked the girl up. She is about 14 years old. She was chained naked to the burglary inside the room by the neck and legs. Policemen came to rescue the girl. Her parents later turned themselves in at the station. They said the girl had been a disgrace to the family.”
”Policemen came to rescue the girl. Her parents later turned themselves in at the station. They said the girl had been a disgrace to the family.”
He explained that he met the girl naked in the apartment, adding that the condition she was could frustrate her to commit suicide.
Onyeka’s father said, “She always runs away from home. That was why we chained her. I think she is mentally ill. We planned to take her to a hospital this month. As I speak now, she has fled home again.”
The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Dolapo Badmos, said the case was under investigation. “The lady is suffering from mental illness. Her parents chained her to prevent her from entering the street, and without intention to harm her,” she added.
If truly the lady is suffering from
mental illness, they suppose take her to hospital rather than chainning her.