Anambra Ministry Rescues Seven Year Old Girl, Police Arrest Mother Over Alleged Burn Injury
By Chibuzo Obidike
The Anambra State Ministry of Women and Social Welfare has rescued a 7 year old girl from her mother following an alleged child abuse incident in Obosi, Idemili North Local Government Area of the state.
The child was allegedly inflicted with burn injuries using a hot knife after she was accused of taking meat from a cooking pot. The Nigeria Police Force, Awada Division, in collaboration with the Ministry, carried out the rescue operation under the leadership of the Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Mrs. Chinyere Esther Onyekesi.
The police arrested the child’s mother, identified as 32 year old Mrs. Ogechi Ofoma from Ihiala, on Sunday, September 13, 2026. The suspect is currently being held at Awada Police Station and is expected to be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation.
Following the rescue, the child has been taken into protective custody to receive medical attention and psychosocial support. Commissioner Onyekesi condemned the alleged abuse, describing it as inhumane and a violation of the rights of the child.
The Commissioner commended the police for their swift response and reaffirmed the commitment of the Ministry, under the administration of Governor Chukwuma Soludo, to protecting children and other vulnerable persons across Anambra State.
She warned that anyone found culpable of child abuse would face the full weight of the law, while urging residents to promptly report cases of child abuse, molestation and neglect to the appropriate authorities.
