ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a 32-year-old woman, Ogechi Ofoma, after her seven-year-old daughter was allegedly subjected to severe physical abuse, including injuries said to have been inflicted with a hot knife.
The child, identified as Oluebube Ofoma, was rescued in the Ibollo community of Awada-Obosi, Idemili North Local Government Area, following the intervention of community security personnel and residents.
The incident reportedly occurred after the girl was accused of taking meat from a cooking pot.
Police said the mother was arrested on Sunday in collaboration with officials of the Anambra State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare and is being held at the Awada Police Station while investigation continues.
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The command’s spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the development in a statement issued on Monday, saying police received a report on the alleged abuse on the evening of September 13.
He said the swift intervention of community security personnel and residents prevented further harm to the child and led to the immediate arrest of the suspect.
Ikenga said, “The Anambra State Police Command has strongly condemned the alleged brutal abuse of a seven-year-old girl in Obosi, Idemili North Local Government Area and has reaffirmed its resolve to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
“The Command received a report in the evening of September 13, 2026 concerning alleged child abuse and severe bodily injuries involving Oluebube Ofoma, aged seven.
“The prompt intervention of security personnel from the Ibollo Community, Awada-Obosi, and concerned residents led to the child’s rescue and the arrest of her mother, Mrs Ogechi Ofoma, 32.
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“Preliminary information indicates that the child was allegedly subjected to severe physical abuse, including injuries reportedly inflicted with a hot knife.”
Following the arrest, the Commissioner of Police, CP Nnanna Ama, began working with the state Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Esther Onyekesi, to ensure that the girl receives medical attention, protection and other necessary welfare support.
Vanguard reports that the police commissioner commended members of the Ibollo community for acting promptly after discovering the alleged abuse.
“The Command commends the vigilance, courage, and public-spirited intervention of the Ibollo Community security personnel and residents whose swift action helped save the child from further harm and enabled the immediate commencement of police action.
“The Anambra State Police Command assures the public that the investigation will be thorough, professional, and uncompromising. The welfare, safety, and best interests of the child remain paramount, and the Command will continue to work with relevant agencies to protect vulnerable persons and ensure accountability in accordance with the law,” the statement added.
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Onyekesi separately condemned the alleged abuse, describing it as “inhumane and a gross violation” of the rights and dignity of a child.
She praised the police for the prompt response and arrest, stressing the importance of cooperation between security agencies and social welfare authorities in protecting vulnerable persons.
The commissioner said the state government, under Governor Chukwuma Soludo, remained committed to providing a safer environment for children and warned that anyone found culpable of violating children’s rights would face the full weight of the law.
She also urged residents to promptly report suspected cases of child abuse, molestation, neglect and other threats to children’s safety to the relevant authorities.
According to her, the state would continue to strengthen its protective measures and collaborate with relevant agencies to safeguard the rights and welfare of women and children across Anambra.