Editor: Chinwe Mamah
The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a 32-year-old woman, Mrs. Ogechi Ofoma for allegedly subjecting her seven-year-old daughter, Oluebube Ofoma to severe physical abuse, including injuries reportedly inflicted with a hot knife.
The incident occurred at Ibollo Community, Awada-Obosi, in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra.
The child was allegedly injured after she was accused of taking meat from a cooking pot.
The police said the child was rescued following the intervention of security personnel from Ibollo Community and concerned residents.
According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer of the Anambra State Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the command received a report concerning the alleged child abuse and severe bodily injuries on the evening of Sunday, Sept. 13.
SP Ikenga said the prompt intervention of the community security personnel and residents led to the rescue of the child and arrest of her mother, who was subsequently taken into police custody at Awada Police Station pending further investigation.
The command condemned the alleged abuse and reaffirmed its resolve to ensure that anyone found responsible would face the law.
Also reacting to the incident, the Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Mrs. Esther Onyekesi, condemned the alleged abuse, describing it as “inhumane and a gross violation” of the rights and dignity of a child.
The commissioner warned that anyone found culpable of violating the rights of children would face the full weight of the law.
She also urged members of the public, particularly neighbours, to remain vigilant and promptly report suspected cases of maltreatment, molestation, neglect or other threats to children’s safety to the appropriate authorities.
