The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a 32-year-old woman, Ogechi Ofoma, over the alleged brutal abuse of her seven-year-old daughter, Oluebube, in Ibollo community, Awada-Obosi, Idemili North Local Government Area of the state.
The child 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 the intervention of community security personnel and concerned residents, who reportedly rescued the girl and alerted the authorities. She is currently being detained at the Awada Police Station as investigations continue.
The Police Public Relations Officer in Anambra State, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Monday, saying the command had condemned the alleged abuse and was committed to ensuring that those responsible faced justice.
According to Ikenga, the police received a report on the alleged child abuse and severe bodily injuries on the evening of September 13, 2026.
He said the prompt intervention of Ibollo Community security personnel and residents led to the rescue of the child and the arrest of her mother.
“Preliminary information indicates that the child was allegedly subjected to severe physical abuse, including injuries reportedly inflicted with a hot knife,” Ikenga said.
The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Nnanna Ama, has also commenced collaboration with the state Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare to ensure that the victim receives urgent medical attention, protection and other necessary welfare support.
The police commended the community security personnel and residents for their vigilance and swift intervention, which helped prevent further harm to the child.
The command assured that the investigation would be thorough and professional, stressing that the welfare, safety and best interests of the child remained paramount.
Also reacting to the incident, the Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Esther Onyekesi, condemned the alleged act, describing it as “inhumane and a gross violation” of the rights and dignity of a child.
Onyekesi commended the police for their prompt response and stressed the importance of collaboration between security agencies and social welfare authorities in tackling cases involving vulnerable persons.
She reaffirmed the state government’s commitment under Governor Chukwuma Soludo to creating a safer environment for children, warning that anyone found culpable of violating children’s rights would face the full weight of the law.
The commissioner urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspected cases of child maltreatment, molestation, neglect or other threats to children’s safety to the appropriate authorities.
