Child Abuse By Anambra Female Lawyer: Enugu State Gov't Takes Swift Action

...Enugu State Gov't Reiterates Its Mandate to Protect and Defend Enugu Indigenes Both Home and Abroad

By Ikem Akunna: FountainCare Reporters 

In response to the distressing case of child abuse involving little Miss Happiness Nwafor, a native of Owrri-Court in Awgu Local Government Area, Enugu State, the Government of Enugu State has acted swiftly to ensure justice for the victim and accountability for the perpetrator.

Led by the Enugu State Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Mrs Ngozi Enih, a delegation from the ministry traveled to Anambra to collaborate with the Anambra State government in addressing the case.

During a meeting with the Anambra State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Hon. Mrs Ify Obinabo, Hon. Mrs Ngozi Enih expressed appreciation for the prompt response from the First Lady of Anambra State, Dr. Mrs Nonye Soludo, and the Anambra State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare. She commended their efforts in ensuring the proper treatment of the victim and pursuing justice.

"We are here on behalf of the Governor of Enugu State, His Excellency, Barr Peter Mbah and His wife, Her Excellency Mrs Nkechinyere Mbah, regarding the abuse meted out to an Enugu State girl, Happiness Nwafor, living with a woman in Anambra state," stated Hon. Mrs Ngozi Enih. "I will begin by thanking you first for your motherly care, especially for those who are residents in Anambra State. We have learned and understood the steps that have been taken, especially in ensuring that the victim is being properly treated, and the efforts your State has already made to apprehend and prosecute the culprit."

"The Children are the future we see, and we can't allow them to be abused. This will greatly affect them, so we are not resting on our oars," she added.

"The Enugu State Government does not play with its citizens, as our primary objective includes, but is not limited to, commitment to the welfare of all persons of Enugu State origin, both home and abroad. In this case, we will leave no stone unturned until the culprit is brought to book, so it will serve as a deterrent to others," Hon. Mrs Ngozi Enih assured.

Responding, Mrs Ify Obinabo, the Anambra State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, thanked the Enugu State delegation for their concern and collaboration. She highlighted the immediate actions taken by the Anambra State Government, including efforts to locate and apprehend the perpetrator.

"We followed up with the case immediately and found out that the offender ran away after the animalistic behavior. We also found out she has caused high degrees of injuries to the girl," Mrs Obinabo stated.

"When we went to rescue the girl and rushed her to the hospital, the Anambra State Commissioner for Health also instructed that the hospital should make sure that the child survives. He didn't even ask for the state of origin of the girl, and this is how we operate in Anambra state," she added.

Mrs Obinabo highlighted the Anambra State Government's efforts so far, noting that the wife of the Governor of Anambra State, Dr. Mrs Nonye Soludo, is actively interested in the case and has ensured that the perpetrator must be arrested and brought to book.

The Enugu State Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs and Social Development personally visited the hospital where the victim is receiving treatment, underscoring the government's commitment to ensuring her well-being and recovery.

As investigations continue and efforts to apprehend the perpetrator intensify, both Enugu and Anambra State governments remain resolute in their pursuit of justice and protection of vulnerable children.

This collaborative effort serves as a testament to the importance of inter-state cooperation in addressing issues of child welfare and protection across Nigeria.

The incident, which occurred in the 33 area of Onitsha, sparked widespread outrage among residents who took to the streets in solidarity with the abused girl. Adachukwu Okafor, the guardian accused of the abuse, holds the titles of a lawyer and a pastor, amplifying the shock and condemnation from the community. Calls for justice rang out as neighbors demanded that the perpetrator be held accountable for her actions.

The mother of the victim, distraught by her daughter's injuries inflicted by hot iron and knife expressed regret over entrusting her child to her sister's daughter, who turned out to be the perpetrator. She lamented the dire consequences of her decision, echoing the sentiments of many parents who may unknowingly place their children in harm's way.

Despite the perpetrator fleeing her residence following the public outcry, the intervention of the Governor of Enugu State, His Excellency Barr Peter Mbah and Her Excellency, Mrs Nkechinyere Mbah, the wife of the Enugy State governor has brought hope for the victim's recovery and pursuit of justice. Her Excellency, Mrs Nkechinyere Mbah's strong stance against child abuse and her commitment to ensuring the well-being of the victim exemplify the leadership necessary to combat such heinous acts and protect the dignity of all individuals, especially vulnerable children.