Mother Arrested in Anambra for Burning Daughter with Hot Knife

The Anambra State Police have arrested a 32-year-old woman named Ogechi Ofoma. She is accused of hurting her seven-year-old daughter in the Ibollo community, Awada-Obosi, Idemili North Local Government Area of the state.

The girl, Oluebube, was reportedly injured with a hot knife after being accused of taking meat from a pot.

Reports say the police arrested the mother on Sunday, working with the state Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare. Ogechi is currently at the Awada Police Station while investigations continue.

SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the spokesperson for the Anambra State Police, confirmed the incident in a statement on Monday. He said the arrest came thanks to the courage and quick actions of community security personnel and residents.

Ikenga stated that the police are committed to ensuring justice for those responsible for the abuse. 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."

He added, "The Command received a report in the evening of September 13, 2026 concerning alleged child abuse and severe bodily injuries involving Oluebube Ofoma, aged seven."

According to him, the security personnel from Ibollo Community and concerned residents helped rescue the child and led to the arrest of her mother, Ogechi Ofoma.

Ikenga provided more details about the abuse, saying, "Preliminary information indicates that the child was allegedly subjected to severe physical abuse, including injuries reportedly inflicted with a hot knife."

Meanwhile, CP Nnanna Ama, the Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, is working with the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare. They want to make sure the child receives immediate medical care and protection.

The police statement praised the Ibollo Community security team and residents for their quick action. It read, "The Command commends the vigilance, courage, and public-spirited intervention of the Ibollo Community security personnel and residents whose swift action helped save the child from further harm and enabled the immediate commencement of police action."

The statement also assured the public that the investigation would be thorough. It emphasized that the welfare and safety of the child are the top priorities.

CP Ama added, "The Command will continue to work with relevant agencies to protect vulnerable persons and ensure accountability in accordance with the law."

Esther Onyekesi, the Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, also spoke out about the case. She called the act "inhumane and a gross violation" of the child’s rights. She praised the police for their quick response and arrest of Ogechi.

Onyekesi stressed the importance of cooperation between security agencies and social welfare authorities in handling cases involving vulnerable people. She reaffirmed the state government’s commitment, under Governor Chukwuma Soludo, to creating a safer environment for children free from violence and exploitation.

She warned that anyone found guilty of violating children's rights would face the law. Onyekesi urged residents to stay alert and report any suspected cases of abuse or neglect to the right authorities. She promised that the state would continue to improve protective measures for women and children across Anambra.