ANAMBRA POLICE ARREST MOTHER OVER ALLEGED HOT-KNIFE ABUSE OF DAUGHTER

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By:Aminat Tajudeen

The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a 32-year-old woman, Ogechi Ofoma, for allegedly abusing and inflicting severe injuries on her seven-year-old daughter in Ibollo community, Awada-Obosi, Idemili North Local Government Area of the state.

The victim, identified as Oluebube, was allegedly injured with a hot knife after she was accused of taking meat from a cooking pot.

The suspect was arrested on Sunday following an intervention by community security personnel and residents, in collaboration with the state Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare. She is currently being detained at the Awada Police Station while investigations continue.

Confirming the incident in a statement issued on Monday, the spokesperson for the state police command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the authorities received a report of the alleged abuse on the evening of September 13, 2026.

Ikenga said the prompt intervention of security personnel and concerned residents led to the rescue of the child and the arrest of her mother.

He said preliminary investigations indicated that the girl had allegedly suffered severe physical abuse, including injuries reportedly inflicted with a hot knife.

The police spokesperson said the command strongly condemned the alleged abuse and assured that those responsible would be brought to justice.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, CP Nnanna Ama, has commenced collaboration with the state Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Esther Onyekesi, to ensure that the victim receives urgent medical attention, protection and necessary welfare support.

The police commended the Ibollo community security personnel and residents for their vigilance and swift intervention, which helped prevent further harm to the child.

The command also assured the public that the investigation would be thorough and professional, adding that the welfare, safety and best interests of the child remained paramount.

Onyekesi also condemned the alleged incident, describing it as inhumane and a violation of the rights and dignity of the child.

She called on residents to remain vigilant and report suspected cases of child abuse, neglect, molestation or other threats to the safety of children to the relevant authorities.

The commissioner further warned that anyone found culpable of violating the rights of children would face the full weight of the law.