Police in Anambra arrested a woman for using a hot knife on her seven-year-old daughter

The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a 32-year-old woman, Ogechi Ofoma, for allegedly using a hot knife to injure her seven-year-old daughter.

The seven-year-old child, identified as Oluebube, was allegedly injured following allegations that he took meat from a pot.

It was learned that the suspect was arrested on Sunday by the police in Ibollo community, Awada-Obosi, Idemili North Local Government Area of ​​the state in collaboration with the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare, and is currently detained at Awada Police Station, pending further investigations.

Confirming the incident in a statement issued on Monday, spokesperson of the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the suspect was apprehended through vigilance, courage and community spirited intervention by community security officers and residents.

Ikenga reiterated the police’s determination to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.

He said, “The Anambra State Police Command strongly condemns the alleged brutal abuse of a seven-year-old girl in Obosi, Idemili North Local Government Area and has reiterated its resolve to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.

“The Command received a report on the evening of 13 September 2026 regarding alleged child abuse and serious injuries involving Oluebube Ofoma, aged seven.

“Swift intervention by security operatives from Ibollo Community, Awada-Obosi, and concerned residents led to the rescue of the child and the arrest of his mother, Mrs Ogechi Ofoma, 32.

“Preliminary information indicates that the child was allegedly subjected to severe physical abuse, including injuries reportedly caused by a hot knife.”

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Nnanna Ama, has commenced collaboration with the Anambra State Commissioner of Women’s Affairs and Social Welfare to ensure that victims receive urgent and appropriate medical treatment, protection and all necessary welfare support.

“The command commended the vigilance, bravery and community spirited intervention of Ibollo Community security personnel and residents whose quick action helped save the child from further harm and enabled immediate police action to begin.

“The Anambra State Police Command assures the public that the investigation will be conducted thoroughly, professionally and without compromise. The welfare, safety and best interests of children remain paramount, and the Command will continue to work closely with relevant agencies to protect vulnerable persons and ensure accountability in accordance with the law,” the statement added.

Reacting to the development, the Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Esther Onyekesi, condemned the incident, and described the alleged act as a “grave and inhuman violation” of the rights and dignity of children. nyekesi commended the police for their quick response and quick arrest of the suspect, and noted that effective collaboration between security agencies and social welfare authorities remained critical to handling cases involving vulnerable people.

The Commissioner also appealed to residents to remain vigilant and report suspected cases of abuse, abuse, neglect or other threats to the safety of children to the appropriate authorities. He assured residents that the state would continue to strengthen its protective interventions and collaborate with relevant agencies to uphold the rights, dignity and welfare of women and children across Anambra.