Anambra Aunt Arrested Over Alleged Abuse of 10-Year-Old Girl

The state government condemned the alleged assault in Ogidi, warning that anyone found responsible would face the full consequences of the law

The Anambra State Government has condemned the alleged physical abuse of a 10-year-old girl, Chizoba Ifeanyi, by her aunt, Mrs Adaobi Agbonta, in Ogidi, Idemili North Local Government Area.

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The Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Mrs Chinyere Onyekesi, disclosed this in a statement issued by the ministry’s Media Officer, Dominic Michael, and made available to journalists in Awka on Friday.

According to the commissioner, the suspect has been arrested and is currently in police custody.

Onyekesi said the child, who hails from Enugu State, was allegedly flogged and sustained severe physical injuries on Thursday after reportedly refusing to sweep the house.

She described the incident as unacceptable and a violation of the rights of the child, stressing that household chores could never justify such treatment.

“This is unacceptable, it is a violation of the child’s right,” the commissioner said.

“Discipline should never be an excuse for inflicting severe physical injuries on a child. No house chores can justify such a treatment,” she added.

The commissioner vowed that the government would pursue justice for the victim, warning that anyone found culpable would face the full consequences of the law.

She also assured residents that the matter would be handled in accordance with legal provisions and that appropriate protective measures would be taken to safeguard the child from further harm.

Onyekesi reaffirmed the Anambra State Government’s commitment to protecting children and tackling all forms of abuse, neglect and maltreatment.

She urged residents to report suspected cases of child abuse to the relevant authorities, noting that protecting children requires the collective responsibility of families, communities and government institutions.

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The commissioner further called on parents, guardians and caregivers to adopt safe and responsible methods of disciplining children, emphasising the need to protect their rights, dignity and welfare.