The Ogun State Police Command have commenced a manhunt for a pastor who allegedly chained his son inside a room for over month.
The nine-year-old son, Korede Taiwo, who looked emaciated, was rescued on Friday by police operatives attached to Onipanu Division ,Ota.
Korede's father was said to be the pastor in charge of Key of Joy Celestial Church of Christ, Ajibawo area in Atan Ota, Ado Odo Ota Local Government Area of the state.
However, his wife, who is also said to be victim's step mother, has been arrested.
The pastor's neighbours were said to have given the policemen a tip off about the incident.
The State Police Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, confirmed the incident. He said the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 2, Abdulmajid Ali, had ordered the arrest the fleeing pastor.
Adejobi said, "The police operatives, who got a tip-off from a neighbour in the community, swung into action and moved to the said church where the victimised young Korede was chained and rescued him.
"The step mother of Korede, Kehinde Taiwo, has been arrested by the police."
Adejobi said Kehinde had revealed that Korede's father's cruel act was due to the stealing habit exhibited by Korede.
Ali who condemned the pastor's criminal and inhuman act had directed that the matter be properly investigated and that the victim be given proper medical attention.
Adejobi said, "Korede has been treated by the police and discharged. He is presently receiving every necessary attention from the police personnel in the Onipanu Division.
"The young boy will soon be handed over to the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development in Ogun State for necessary action."
Ali said any parents or individuals who maltreated children or young ones in the state would not be spared.
He said the command had zero tolerance for such criminal and inhuman offences like Child Abuse,Child Labour, and Domestic Violence among others.
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