‘My step-mother beats me with wood that has nails’

                                                              Damilare                                                                            

Residents at Owutu in Ikorodu, Lagos State, have rescued two boys, Damilare Odebunmi, eight, and Michael Odebunmi, six, from torture in the hands of their father and step-mother, Seun Odebunmi, and Adepeju Odebunmi, respectively.

While her step-sons are constantly tortured, abused and deprived of food, Adepeju’s two biological children looked healthy and chubby.

The neighbours had had enough when they found Damilare placed atop a septic tank, blood dripping from injuries on his back after a beating by the step-mother because he took Vitamin C, while his six-year-old brother looked pale.

They reported to police, who came and took the boys away.

The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Kenneth Nwosu, confirmed the incident, saying the children had been rescued and taken to Ikorodu General Hospital.

“The case will be thoroughly investigated,” he assured.

They tell their stories

Recounting his ordeal, six-year-old Micheal Odebunmi, said: “Every little thing I do at home gets me a beating from daddy and my step-mother.

“Most times, they beat me with plank, stick and horsewhip. I got a scar on my leg because I shared my meal with my brother, Dami, who my step-mother refused to give food.

“When she found out that I gave him part of my meal, she beat me with a wood that has nails; it was one of the nails that tore my leg. Whenever she is going out, she locks us up.”

Recounting his experience, Damilare told said: “I was living with my grandmother before my father took me to his house.

“Since we started living with him and my step-mother, we have not been going to school.

“While my step-brother and sister go to school, my brother and I stay at home. Most times, my step-mother would not give me food; she will beat me if I enter the kitchen or eat food when I am hungry.

“She beat me up because I took Vitamin C from the room. She uses horsewhip and plank to beat me. She also used my daddy’s clutch to hit me on my back.”