By Stephen Simon
The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a 32-year-old woman, Ogechi Ofoma, following allegations that she subjected her seven-year-old daughter, Oluebube, to severe physical abuse in Ibollo community, Awada-Obosi, Idemili North Local Government Area.
The child was reportedly attacked with a hot knife after she was accused of taking meat from a cooking pot.
According to the police, the incident came to light on the evening of September 13, 2026, after concerned residents and community security personnel intervened and rescued the girl.
Police operatives, working with officials of the Anambra State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare, subsequently arrested the suspect on Sunday.
Ofoma is being detained at the Awada Police Station as investigators work to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged abuse.
In a statement issued on Monday, the command’s spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, condemned the incident and said the police would ensure that anyone found responsible was brought to justice.
Ikenga said preliminary findings showed that the girl had suffered serious physical injuries, including wounds allegedly inflicted with a heated knife.
He said the Commissioner of Police in Anambra, CP Nnanna Ama, had directed that the victim receive immediate medical attention and necessary protection.
The police chief is also collaborating with the state Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare to provide the child with appropriate welfare and protective support.
The command praised members of the Ibollo community and other residents who raised the alarm and intervened, describing their actions as critical to preventing further harm to the child.
The police assured the public that the investigation would be conducted professionally and thoroughly, stressing that the safety and welfare of the victim remained a priority.
Meanwhile, the state Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Esther Onyekesi, described the alleged assault as unacceptable, inhumane and a serious violation of the rights of the child.
Onyekesi commended the police and community members for their swift intervention, saying cooperation between law enforcement agencies and social welfare authorities was essential in protecting vulnerable children.
She said the Anambra State Government, under Governor Chukwuma Soludo, remained committed to ensuring that children were protected from violence, abuse and exploitation.
The commissioner warned that perpetrators of violations against children would be made to face the law.
She further called on residents to promptly report suspected cases of child abuse, neglect, molestation or any other threat to the safety of children to the relevant authorities.
Onyekesi added that the government would continue to strengthen measures aimed at protecting women and children and ensuring that their rights, dignity and welfare were upheld.
