The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons has launched efforts to identify and locate a man seen violently flogging a toddler in a video circulating on social media.
The footage, which surfaced on X on Wednesday, shows the shirtless man repeatedly striking the child on the head and body with what appears to be a charger cable.
The toddler is seen falling onto a tiled floor while crying and attempting to shield her head with her hands as the assault continues.
The man, who was dressed in green shorts, is also heard speaking aggressively to the child during the incident.
At one point, he reportedly uttered the Yoruba expression, “Ori ẹ o ma pe,” before bending down and forcing the crying child back onto her feet.
The video triggered widespread outrage online, with users calling for the man’s immediate identification and prosecution over the alleged abuse.
Reacting to the footage, NAPTIP said it had taken note of the incident and was working with relevant security agencies to track down the alleged perpetrator.
“We have noted the viral video and are working with relevant security agencies to identify, locate, and prosecute the perpetrator to the full extent of the law,” the agency said in a statement posted on its X account.
NAPTIP urged members of the public who have information that could assist the investigation to contact the agency through its direct messaging platform, email or the 627 shortcode.
The agency reiterated its commitment to protecting children and ensuring that persons responsible for child abuse are brought before the appropriate authorities.
The identity and location of the child and the man involved in the video were not immediately disclosed.
