The Anambra State Ministry of Women and Social Welfare has rescued a seven-year-old girl who was allegedly subjected to severe physical abuse by her guardian in Obosi, Idemili North Local Government Area of the state.
The intervention, carried out in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force, Awada Division, led to the arrest of the alleged perpetrator and the placement of the child under protective care for medical attention and psychosocial support.
The girl was allegedly injured with a hot knife after she was accused of taking meat from a cooking pot.
The suspect, identified as 32-year-old Mrs. Ogechi Ofoma, was arrested by the police on Sunday evening and is currently being detained at the Awada Police Station, pending further investigation. She is expected to be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation.
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, dignity and safety of a child.
Mrs. Onyekesi commended the Nigeria Police Force for its prompt response and swift arrest of the suspect, stressing that effective collaboration between security agencies and social welfare authorities was essential in tackling cases involving vulnerable persons.
She reaffirmed the commitment of the state government under the administration of Governor Chukwuma Soludo to creating a safe environment where children can grow free from violence, abuse and 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 residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspected cases of child maltreatment, molestation, neglect or any other threats to the safety and wellbeing of children to the appropriate authorities.
Mrs. Onyekesi assured residents that the state government would continue to strengthen its child-protection interventions and collaborate with relevant agencies to safeguard the rights, dignity and welfare of women and children across Anambra State.
