At the foot of a large tower in Londeau, Noisy-le-Sec, the usually lively atmosphere turned somber following the tragic death of 8-year-old Nje. Despite no school scheduled on this Wednesday, the children who knew of her fate received the news with heartbreak and disbelief. 'She died of cardiac arrest,' explained a serious 12-year-old boy, reflecting the shared shock among the community over this seemingly impossible tragedy for such a young child.
Nje lived with her mother and two older brothers in the tower, which was set for thermal rehabilitation. The incident occurred at her father's house in Bondy, where she was found unconscious after what was initially described by the father as a 'cushion fight' that went wrong. The emergency services were called, but sadly, Nje succumbed to her injuries after three days of agonizing struggle.
The circumstances surrounding Nje's sudden death led the investigation to evolve from violence against a minor to murder. Emergency services arrived to find her already in cardiorespiratory arrest. Her 49-year-old father was present and subsequently taken into police custody. Authorities stated that there was sufficient evidence to justify his arrest, although details of the event remain unclear.
This heartbreaking incident isn’t isolated. According to the association La Voix de l'Enfant, more than 60 children have been killed by their parents in 2023. A previous government report from 2019 revealed that, alarmingly, a child is killed every five days on average. Such statistics cast a stark light on the grim reality of domestic violence suffered by minors, sparking calls for stricter protective measures and more support for vulnerable children.
- The children in the neighborhood are receiving psychological support, with counselors available to help them process the tragedy. This effort underscores the importance of mental health care following traumatic incidents.
- Territorial Security of Seine-Saint-Denis has been entrusted with the investigation, and they are meticulously piecing together the events that led to Nje's death. The community remains on edge, hoping for justice and clarity on the incident.
- Non-profit organizations continue to advocate for systemic changes to better protect children from domestic violence. The tragic death of Nje renews the urgency for their cause and the need for governmental intervention.
