The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a 32-year-old woman, Ogechi Ofoma, for allegedly inflicting injuries on 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 pot.
Police operatives, working with officials of the state Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare, arrested the woman on Sunday.
She is currently being detained at Awada Police Station while investigations continue.
Confirming the incident in a statement on Monday, the state police spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the child was rescued following the intervention of community security personnel and residents.
Ikenga said the command received a report of the alleged abuse and serious injuries suffered by the child on the evening of September 13, 2026.
He 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 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.
“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, had begun working with the state Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare to ensure that the child receives immediate medical treatment, protection and other welfare support.
He praised the community security personnel and residents for their “vigilance, courage and public-spirited intervention”, saying their actions helped protect the child from further harm and enabled the police to take 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.
Reacting to the incident, 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 praised the police for their swift response and the arrest of the suspect, stressing the importance of cooperation between security agencies and social welfare authorities in tackling cases involving vulnerable people.
She reaffirmed the state government’s commitment, under Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration, to providing a safe environment where children can grow without violence or exploitation.
The commissioner warned that anyone found responsible for violating children’s rights would face the full force of the law.
She also urged residents to remain alert and report suspected cases of child abuse, molestation, neglect and other threats to children’s safety to the relevant authorities.
Onyekesi assured residents that the government would continue to strengthen its protective measures and collaborate with relevant agencies to safeguard the rights, dignity and welfare of women and children across the state.