A father has been arrested after the tragic death of his seven-year-old son, who was found in a soakaway pit in Onitsha, Anambra State.
The boy, whose name has not been disclosed, was discovered on December 11, 2024, in an uncompleted building where the family was living.
Alfred Bassey, 40, the child’s father, was taken into custody after the boy’s lifeless body was found in a soakaway pit dug in the abandoned building.
The Anambra State Police Command confirmed the arrest, with SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the police spokesperson, saying that Bassey is facing charges of negligence and lack of care that led to the death of his son.
“Preliminary investigations reveal that the father forcibly took the child from the mother and had been living with him in an uncompleted building at Trans-Nkisi Layout, Onitsha,” Ikenga stated in a press release on Friday.
The police report indicates that Bassey left the boy in the building alone before the tragic incident occurred. The boy’s body was later found in the soakaway pit after the father had gone to an unknown location.
Ikenga further explained that when the boy was discovered, he was immediately taken to a nearby hospital, where he was confirmed dead by a doctor.
“The body of the child was recovered and taken to the hospital for examination, where he was declared dead,” he added.
The discovery of the boy’s body has shocked the local community, with many expressing sadness and disbelief over the incident.
Neighbors and residents of the area, who spoke to journalists, described the situation as heartbreaking. “We never expected such a tragedy in our neighborhood,” said one local, who asked not to be named. “It’s very sad that such a young life was lost in such a way.”
The police spokesperson also noted that the Commissioner of Police, Nnaghe Itam, was deeply saddened by the incident.
CP Itam called for more responsibility among parents and warned against exposing children to harm due to personal disputes.
He emphasized that it is crucial for parents to prioritize their children’s well-being, especially in situations of marital disagreements.
“The well-being of children should always come first, no matter the challenges parents may be facing with each other,” Itam stressed. “Parents should never allow their children to be caught in the middle of such disputes.”
Following the arrest, the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Awka for further investigation. The police have assured the public that a thorough probe will be conducted to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the boy’s death.
Authorities are investigating whether the father’s negligence or a possible deliberate action led to the boy’s tragic end.
Experts have long warned that children exposed to such environments can suffer emotional, psychological, and physical harm.
In the wake of the incident, child protection advocates have called for better enforcement of laws protecting children in domestic situations. They urge greater public awareness on the need for proper child care, especially in homes with troubled relationships.
“Children are the most vulnerable members of society, and we must do all we can to protect them,” said Nkechi Okafor, a child rights activist based in Anambra State. “This is a sad reminder that we must put the interests of children above all else.”