The dog, belonging to an elderly woman she was visiting, bit off flesh from her head and tore off her tongue.
The girl had gone to play at the woman’s house, believing the dog was safely secured in its cage. Unbeknownst to the woman, named Mrs. Esther, the dog had somehow managed to loosen its padlock.
Upon the girl’s arrival, the dog viciously attacked her.
Mrs. Esther tried desperately to free the girl but was unable to, resulting in the dog turning on her, severing her tongue and injuring her face severely. Neighbors and sympathizers, fearing the dog’s aggression, hesitated to intervene immediately.
Eventually, they subdued the dog and rescued the girl. She was rushed first to the Health Centre at Ajibode and then to the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, for emergency medical care.
The dog owner also received treatment at the same hospital.
Despite initial tensions, neighbors prevented a mob from setting fire to Mrs. Esther’s house, citing her good reputation and care for children in the area. However, they did vandalize the property in anger.
The girl is reported to be in stable condition at UCH and is scheduled for surgery under the care of plastic surgeons.
The police have arrested one person in connection with the subsequent vandalism.
