The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a 32-year-old woman, Ogechi Ofoma, for allegedly inflicting severe injuries on her seven-year-old daughter in Ibollo community, Awada-Obosi, Idemili North Local Government Area of the state.
The suspect was arrested by the police in collaboration with the Anambra State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare. She is currently being held at the Awada Police Station pending further investigation.
Confirming the incident in a statement on Monday, the spokesperson for the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the command received a report concerning the alleged child abuse and severe bodily injuries on the evening of September 13, 2026.
Ikenga said the prompt intervention of security personnel from Ibollo community and concerned residents led to the child’s rescue 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,” he said.
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The police spokesperson said the command had condemned the alleged abuse and reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that those responsible were brought to justice.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Nnanna Ama, has commenced collaboration with the state Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare to ensure that the victim receives urgent medical care, protection and necessary welfare support.
The command also commended the Ibollo community security personnel and residents for their vigilance and swift intervention, which it said helped prevent further harm to the child.
It assured the public that the investigation would be thorough and professional, adding that the welfare, safety and best interests of the child remained paramount.
The Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Esther Onyekesi, condemned the alleged abuse, 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 arrest of the suspect, stressing the importance of collaboration between security agencies and social welfare authorities in addressing cases involving vulnerable persons.
She reaffirmed the state government’s commitment, under the administration of Governor Chukwuma Soludo, to creating a safer environment for children and warned that anyone found culpable of violating the rights of children would face the full weight of the law.
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