…says, Anambra state would not condone abuse of children under any circumstances
ANAMBRA, NIGERIA- The iNews Times | The Anambra State Government has assured that justice will be done in the case involving the alleged assault of a JSS3 student, Miracle Amah, of Community Secondary School, Agulu, reportedly by her guardian, Mrs. Osinachi Edeh.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the incident occurred on Tuesday in Anaocha Local Government Area and became public on Wednesday, February 4, when Amah arrived at school bearing fresh burn injuries on several parts of her body. School authorities immediately invited her guardian for questioning.
It was earlier reported that the Anambra State Police Command arrested the 29-year-old Edeh over allegations of abuse and grievous bodily harm inflicted on the 17-year-old girl, said to be her house help in Awka.
The student reportedly narrated her ordeal to a teacher, explaining that she had used her aunt’s phone to call her cousin but mistakenly dialled a wrong number. She said her aunt overheard the call and accused her of speaking with a male friend.
She added that despite her attempts to explain, her guardian refused to believe her and later accused her before another relative of keeping boyfriends. According to the student, her aunt threatened her with a knife in a bid to force a confession and, when she maintained her innocence, heated a pressing iron and used it to burn her face, breasts and other parts of her body.
Speaking with NAN on Thursday in Awka, the Anambra state Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, condemned the incident and assured that the matter would be thoroughly pursued.
She reiterated Anambra state government’s zero tolerance for child abuse, stressing that the case would not be swept under the carpet. Chuma-Udeh said the protection, safety and welfare of children remain a top priority of the Governor Chukwuma Soludo-led administration.
The commissioner vowed that the suspect would face the full weight of the law if found guilty, adding that Anambra state would not condone abuse of children under any circumstances.
NAN further reports that the Anambra State Police Command has taken over the case, with the suspect currently in detention as investigations continue.
