The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a 32-year-old woman, Ogechi Ofoma, for allegedly subjecting her seven-year-old daughter, Oluebube Ofoma, to severe physical abuse in Ibollo community, Awada-Obosi, Idemili North Local Government Area of the state.
The girl was allegedly injured with a hot knife after her mother accused her of taking meat from a cooking pot.
The incident was reported to the police on Sunday, September 13, 2026, after community security personnel and concerned residents intervened, rescued the child and alerted the authorities. The suspect was subsequently arrested and is being held at the Awada Police Station as investigations continue.
The spokesperson for the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the incident in a statement on Monday, saying preliminary information indicated that the child had suffered severe physical abuse, including injuries reportedly inflicted with a hot knife.
Ikenga said the police condemned the alleged abuse and assured the public that those found responsible would be brought to justice.
Following the arrest, the Commissioner of Police, CP Nnanna Ama, began working with the state Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare to ensure that the child receives urgent medical attention, protection and necessary welfare support.
The police also commended the Ibollo community security personnel and residents for their swift intervention, which helped rescue the child and prevent further harm.
The Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Esther Onyekesi, described the alleged incident as inhumane and a gross violation of the rights and dignity of a child.
She reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to protecting children from violence and warned that anyone found guilty of violating children’s rights would face the full weight of the law.
She also urged residents to report cases of child abuse, molestation, neglect and other threats to children’s safety to the appropriate authorities.
The police investigation into the incident is ongoing.
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