Police probe drowning of three-year-old in FCT

A three-year-old girl, Sonia Emmanuel, drowned in a mini water container at her home in the Mpape area of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), security sources told Zagazola Makama on Tuesday.

The incident occurred on March 3 at around 4:00 p.m. while the child’s mother, Etalong Marina, was at the market.
Police in FCT have commenced an investigation into the matter.

It was gathered that the toddler was attempting to fetch water when she accidentally fell into the container.
It was further gathered that the child’s mother had left the baby in the custody of her 10-year-old child before the incident occurred.

The child’s uncle, Idu Simon, reported the incident to the Mpape Police Division at around 6:30 p.m. The girl was rushed to Jarel Hospital in Mpape, where medical personnel confirmed her dead.

A source familiar with the investigation said no foul play was suspected, and the family declined an autopsy. Upon request, the police released the child’s remains for burial.

Meanwhile, the spokesperson of the command, SP Josephine Adeh, hinted that police were investigating the matter.

Adeh, in a statement, said: “The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command is currently investigating a case of negligence involving a mother who is presently in custody.

“Preliminary investigations revealed that the mother of the three-year-old left her at home with a ten-year-old child. The three-year-old, while trying to fetch water from a mini water rubber, fell in and tragically drowned.

“The Commissioner of Police, FCT, CP Olatunji Disu, has directed the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) to take over the case for a thorough investigation. The matter will subsequently be forwarded to the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for legal advice.

“CP Disu strongly advises parents and guardians to take full responsibility for the safety and well-being of their children. He emphasizes that children should never be left without proper adult supervision, as such negligence can lead to unfortunate and preventable incidents.

“The FCT Police Command remains committed to ensuring the protection of vulnerable persons, particularly children, and will not hesitate to take appropriate legal action in cases where parental neglect endangers the welfare of minors.”