A video showing a man brutally flogging a toddler has sparked outrage on social media, as netizens called on the authorities to identify the suspect and bring him to justice.

In the undated video that trended on X on Wednesday morning, the half-clad man suspected to be the victim’s father is seen wielding a thin, cable-like object with which he repeatedly hits the female toddler.

The defenceless victim can be heard whimpering in pain and crying loudly in the 12-second video sighted by this reporter.

The location of the incident could not be immediately ascertained.

The man’s relation to the child could also not be confirmed as of press time.

Meanwhile, many netizens who saw the video on X expressed disgust at the treatment meted to the child and called on security and other relevant government agencies to swiftly swing into action to identify the suspect and bring him to justice.

The video has also sparked a conversation about the thin line between discipline and child abuse in many Nigerian homes, exposing the urgent need to rethink how children are raised.

Reacting, Samuel Owoeye said, “I am sure she is between 2-3 yrs. The guy beating her and the person recording her are heartless. This is too much and it shows it’s not the first time.”

Henry Nwosu said, “This just feels different when you have a child too. I want to discipline my son but…this is just cruelty and wickedness. Hurts my heart to see such.”

Peter Ebireri said, “The major question I’m expecting everyone to ask here: is that who’s doing recording of this video? I think both recorder and the so called father of this child are animals.”

@SKRajiTech said, “This guy and the person recording needed to be identified and arrested. The child should NEVER EVER be released to them or any of their family member.”

@FXHustler2ms said, “This useless man must have been unleashing his frustration from another side on the little innocent child.”

@SapphireFluid wrote, “Useless and wicked people everywhere. This man deserves community punishment.”

@Kuffor_Lee said, “Sometimes I feel like people just do things intentionally just to go to jail or something cause how can a normal sane person be doing this and you still get mind dey record yourself come still post am join!! The heart of men are truly evil.” (The Sun)