A domestic altercation in the Elega area of Abeokuta turned fatal on Saturday night when a man named Olamide accidentally struck and killed his one-year-old son while attempting to hit his wife with an iron rod.
According to information obtained from a video of the incident reviewed on Monday, Olamide fled the scene shortly after the tragedy occurred.
Neighbors said they were drawn to the couple’s apartment by loud noises during the argument. A co-tenant, Mrs. Bolatito, recalled being called by the mother, who was in distress and crying out that her husband had killed their son.
“She told me they had just returned from an outing when the fight broke out. Olamide picked up an iron rod, which he normally uses for weightlifting, and tried to hit his wife—but instead struck the baby on the head,” Bolatito recounted.
She explained that she and others rushed to find a vehicle and took the child to Trinity Hospital, the closest medical facility in the area. Sadly, doctors confirmed the child was already dead.
“When we got back home, we thought we heard faint sounds from the baby and quickly rushed him back to the hospital, but we were told again that he had passed away,” she added.
Bolatito also alleged that the husband had a history of abusing his wife and had caused her to lose a previous pregnancy due to physical violence.
The chairman of the local community, Ramoni Adegbola, confirmed that he was notified about the fight. Upon arriving at the scene, he saw the couple with the unconscious child.
“We were told the baby had been hit on the head with an iron rod. Neighbors helped take him to the hospital, but he didn’t survive,” Adegbola said.
He also revealed that Olamide was known in the area for drug use. “He once passed out from substance abuse, and neighbors had to assist him,” he said. “After the incident, he ran away, but we later heard he turned himself in at a police station.”
When contacted, Ogun State Police spokesperson, Omolola Odutola, confirmed the event and said an investigation is ongoing.
“It’s true. The case is under investigation,” she said.
