By Fatima Saka
The Elegant Nurses Forum (ENF) has condemned what it described as a “barbaric and unlawful assault” on a woman, her daughters, and a male relative in Somolu area of Lagos, calling for urgent police action and intervention by gender-based violence agencies.
In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by its National Coordinator, Nurse Thomas Abiodun Olamide, the Forum said the incident occurred on the night of April 26, 2026, and has raised serious concerns about public safety and protection for vulnerable groups.
According to the Forum, the violence began when a young girl returning home after purchasing sachet water encountered a man identified as Emmanuel, who was allegedly blocking the entrance to her family compound. After politely asking him to excuse her, the man reportedly reacted violently, dragging the child by her hair and verbally abusing her.
The situation escalated when the child’s mother intervened, questioning why her daughter was being harassed. Emmanuel allegedly turned on the woman, issuing threats before physically assaulting her. Eyewitnesses said his cousin, identified as Godwin, later joined in the attack.
“The suspects reportedly crossed over from their residence and violently assaulted the mother, her daughters, and a male relative who attempted to intervene,” the statement said.
The Forum described as particularly disturbing the alleged attack on the younger child, who was said to have been dragged by her hair and thrown into a gutter.
In a further escalation, the male relative who tried to protect the victims was reportedly struck from behind with an object, resulting in a head injury and bleeding.
The ENF also expressed concern over reported threats issued after the attack, including warnings that the family should not sleep in their home and claims by the suspects that they would face no consequences. Allegations that the perpetrators may be linked to cult groups have heightened fears over the family’s safety.
“This act of violence against women and a child is unacceptable and represents a grave breakdown of law and order,” the Forum stated, stressing that such incidents undermine public confidence in security and justice systems.
The group called on the Lagos State Police Command to immediately arrest and prosecute the suspects, while urging the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency to classify the case as gender-based violence.
It further demanded the involvement of relevant child protection bodies and civil society organisations, as well as the provision of police protection for the affected family.
The Forum also emphasised the need for proper medical and forensic documentation, including recommended scans for the injured victims, to support prosecution.
“The primary duty of government is the protection of lives and property. When citizens can no longer feel safe in their homes, urgent action is required,” the statement added.
READ ALSO: HEDA Urges ICAN to Sanction Convicted Ex-Defence Official Over ₦868m Fraud
Trafficking: NiDCOM Warns Nigerians Against Deceptive Overseas Jobs
Reaffirming its support for the victims, the ENF urged the Lagos State Government and law enforcement agencies to act decisively and ensure justice is served.
“Justice must not only be done; it must be seen to be done,” the Forum stated.
About The Author
