No special prayers, we were only beaten like dogs – ‘Chained’ victims rescued in Lagos

Forum 7 years ago

No special prayers, we were only beaten like dogs – ‘Chained’ victims rescued in Lagos

About nine of the 28 persons found in chains in a house at Oke-Ira, Ojodu area of Lagos State and rescued by the state Police Command, have narrated their ordeal in the hands of their captors.

Nine of them have been satisfied mentally stable and released to their families.

Recall that no fewer than 28 persons, including 13 teenagers – comprising of six male adults, nine female adults, seven female children and six male children, were rescued in August by a team of policemen.


The Police Command mobilized the operatives to a house at Oyinbo Unity Estate, Olamidun Close, Yakoyo, Oke-Ira, Ojodu, after it received information that a child was in chain in a house with an inscription, “Mimo Mimo Mimo Safulaijah,” situated in a valley at the estate.

Alongside the rescued victims, a 70-year-old pastor, Emmanuel Adeyemi, alleged to have been responsible for the crime and his wife, were arrested.

The victims told New Telegraph on Tuesday they were happy to be released by government to reunite with their family.

One of the victims, Jamiu, said he never stopped wondering why he had to be chained like dog and beaten as a form of communication.


He said: “Before he feeds us, he beats us. Before eating, we get serious beating. He gives us herbal medicine once in a week and when we are given, the medicine makes us to eat very well and sleep.

“Again, you have to be beaten by the man before drinking it. No special prayers were offered for us except herbal drinking and beatings.

“But I recall we take rice in the morning and Eba at night.”

Another victim, who identified herself simply as Adebisi, said she was taken to the pastor’s church by her relatives and abandoned for over eight months before the Lagos State government came to their rescue.

According to her, the pastor threatened her husband while other relatives abandoned her.

Adebisi said: “I was told that I was sick and that was why they took me there. They said that I was crazy but I don’t think so.”

Meanwhile, the state police spokesperson had earlier noted that the self-acclaimed pastor was undergoing investigation and would be prosecuted on completion.