The case has been transferred to the State Criminal and Investigation Department of the police command in Anambra, where the suspect will be charged to court. Speaking to journalists in Awka, the commissioner cautioned families and guardians against child abuse and maltreatment of their children and house helps in the state. She emphasised that anyone caught abusing any child in Anambra will face the full wrath of the law.
The little girl was immediately taken to the hospital, where she is still undergoing medical examinations and treatments to ascertain the extent of her injuries. The victim is safe now and will not be returning to her guardian’s house again. The parents of the child, whose identities were not given, had sent their daughter to live with Ms Ifesinachi and help her after she gave birth to twins in March.
Ms Ifesinachi, while pleading for mercy, admitted to flogging and inflicting injuries on the girl’s body and blamed the devil for her actions. However, her plea for mercy may not be enough to sway the authorities as the state government is determined to ensure that justice is served.
The arrest and subsequent prosecution of Ms Ifesinachi is part of a concerted effort by the Anambra State government to curb the prevalence of child abuse and maltreatment in the state. In recent times, there have been several cases of child abuse in the state, with many children being subjected to various forms of abuse by their guardians.
The government has launched a massive awareness campaign to sensitise families and guardians on the need to treat their children and house helps with love, care, and respect. The government has also put in place various measures to ensure that anyone caught abusing any child in the state is brought to book.
Child abuse is a heinous crime that must be condemned in the strongest terms possible. It is not only a violation of the child’s fundamental human rights, but it also has long-lasting physical and psychological effects on the child. Children who suffer abuse are often traumatised for life, and their future is usually bleak.
It is, therefore, heartening to see the Anambra State government taking proactive steps to address the issue of child abuse in the state. The government’s efforts will go a long way in safeguarding the rights and welfare of children in the state.