The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a 32-year-old woman, Ogechi Ofoma, for allegedly inflicting severe injuries on her seven-year-old daughter in the Ibollo community, Awada-Obosi, Idemili North Local Government Area.
The child, identified as Oluebube Ofoma, was reportedly injured with a hot knife after she was accused of taking meat from a cooking pot.
The mother was arrested on Sunday following the intervention of community security personnel and concerned residents, who rescued the child and alerted the authorities.
Police spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the incident on Monday, saying the command received a report on September 13 concerning alleged child abuse and severe bodily injuries involving the girl.
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According to him, the suspect is currently being held at the Awada Police Station while investigations continue.
The Commissioner of Police, Nnanna Ama, has also begun working with the state Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare to ensure that the victim receives medical attention, protection and other necessary support.
The state Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Esther Onyekesi, condemned the alleged abuse as inhumane and a violation of the child’s rights.
She urged residents to report suspected cases of child abuse, neglect, molestation or other threats to children’s safety to the appropriate authorities.
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