AWKA — 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 on Monday, Sept. 14, 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.
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.
He said preliminary information indicated that the seven-year-old was subjected to severe physical abuse, with some of the injuries allegedly inflicted with a hot knife.
The command condemned the alleged abuse and reaffirmed its resolve to ensure that anyone found responsible would face the law.
The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, has commenced collaboration with the State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare to ensure that the victim receives urgent medical attention, protection and necessary welfare support.
The police command commended members of the Ibollo Community security team and other residents for their vigilance, courage and prompt intervention, saying their action helped prevent further harm to the child and facilitated immediate police action.
The command assured the public that the investigation would be thorough, professional and without compromise, stressing that the safety, welfare and best interests of the child remained paramount.
It further said it would continue to work with relevant government agencies and stakeholders to protect vulnerable persons and ensure that anyone found culpable is held accountable in accordance with 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.
Onyekesi commended the police for their prompt response and arrest of the suspect, stressing that effective collaboration between security agencies and social welfare authorities was crucial in addressing cases involving vulnerable persons.
She said the Anambra State Government, under Governor Chukwuma Soludo, remained committed to creating a safe environment where children could grow free from violence and other forms of exploitation.
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.
Onyekesi assured the public that the state would continue to strengthen its protective interventions and collaborate with relevant agencies to safeguard the rights, dignity and well-being of women and children.
