The Enugu State Government has rescued a 9-year-old girl, Chikamso Kachi, who has fallen a victim to a brutal act of violence at the hands of her guardian, Mrs. Okoye Ezinne. The young girl who hail from Amorji Nenwe in Aninri Local Government Area of the state underwent severe mistreatment, including the forced ingestion of extremely hot water.
The distressing ordeal unfolded at the Okoye's residence, at Awkunanaw, Enugu, where Chikamso lived under the care of Mrs. Ezinne Okoye as a house help. Reports reveal a harrowing sequence of events in which Mrs. Okoye subjected Chikamso to unspeakable suffering as a form of punishment.
According to reports, Mrs. Okoye forcibly poured boiling water into Chikamso's mouth, causing severe burns to her throat and lips. Shockingly, the abuse did not end there, as Mrs. Okoye proceeded to inflict further harm on the child's left buttocks with hot water, leaving severe burns that penetrated deep into her skin.
The barbaric nature of the assault has sparked outrage and condemnation, with many calling for swift justice for the innocent victim. In response to this egregious act of violence, the Enugu State Government, through the Ministry of Children, Gender Affairs, and Social Development, led by Hon. Mrs. Ngozi Enih, has taken decisive action to ensure accountability and support for Chikamso Kachi.
In an exclusive interview, the Honourable Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs and Social Development, Enugu State, Hon. Mrs. Ngozi Enih affirmed that the perpetrator, Mrs. Ezinne Okoye, is currently in police custody, emphasizing that the full weight of the law will be brought to bear on the offender. Hon. Enih assured the public that justice will be served, and Mrs. Okoye will not evade responsibility for her reprehensible actions.
Addressing concerns about the welfare of the victim, Hon. Mrs. Enih revealed that the Ministry has taken immediate custody of Chikamso Kachi. The young girl has been admitted to a hospital, where she is receiving urgent medical attention. Despite the severity of her injuries, there are hopeful signs of her rapid recovery, thanks to the timely intervention and support provided by the government.
In recognition of the compassionate leadership demonstrated by the government of Enugu State towards child protection, Hon. Mrs. Enih extended heartfelt appreciation to His Excellency, Barr Peter Mbah, and his wife, Her Excellency, Mrs. Nkechinyere Mbah, for their unwavering commitment to the welfare of the Enugu State indigenes, especially the Children. Their steadfast dedication to protecting lives underscores the government's resolute stance against all forms of violence and abuse.
As investigations into this tragic incident continue, Hon. Mrs. Enih issued a stern warning, reaffirming the Enugu State Government's unwavering mandate to safeguard the lives and dignity of all individuals within its jurisdiction. Acts of violence and cruelty against the vulnerable will not be tolerated, and perpetrators will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.
This heartbreaking incident serves as a sobering reminder of the urgent need for collective action to protect the rights and well-being of children across Enugu State. As the government works tirelessly to support Chikamso Kachi on her journey to recovery, the community stands united in solidarity, determined to ensure that justice is served and that such atrocities are never repeated.
