Deborah Akinyosoye
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) says it has opened an investigation into a viral video showing a woman feeding an alcoholic herbal drink, Action Bitters, to a baby girl.
The footage, which was shared on X (formerly Twitter) by content creator Chuks Eric on Sunday, captures the unidentified woman holding the child and pouring the contents of a sachet of the alcoholic beverage into the child’s mouth. The video includes a caption that reads, “Every night just for her to sleep,” implying the act is habitual.
It is not yet confirmed whether the woman in the video is the child’s biological mother.
In a statement posted via its official X handle on Monday, the NPF condemned the incident and described the act as “distressing.”
The police said the behaviour is both illegal and dangerous, noting that exposing a child to alcohol poses serious risks.
“We are aware of this distressing video and are investigating urgently. Exposing a child to alcohol is illegal and dangerous,” the statement said.
The police also appealed to the public for help in identifying the woman, urging Chuks Eric or anyone with relevant information to come forward.
“They can reach out to us on 09169967000. The child’s safety is our priority,” the force said.