A seven-year-old girl is recovering after she was allegedly assaulted and burned with a hot knife by her mother in Anambra State.The child, identified as Oluebube Ofoma, was reportedly injured after being accused of taking meat from a cooking pot.Police have arrested the girl’s 32-year-old mother, Ogechi Ofoma, following the intervention of community security personnel and residents who reportedly helped rescue the child.
Child Rescued After Alleged Abuse
The incident occurred in Ibollo community, Awada-Obosi, in Idemili North Local Government Area.
According to the Anambra State Police Command, the case was reported on the evening of September 13, 2026. Community security personnel and residents responded after becoming aware of the alleged abuse.Their intervention led to the child’s rescue and the arrest of her mother.Police said the suspect remains at Awada Police Station while investigators work to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.The disturbing allegation is also why the story, Mother Arrested Over Alleged Hot-Knife Injury to 7-Year-Old Daughter in Anambra, has drawn attention to the role communities can play in protecting vulnerable children.
Police Begin Investigation
Police spokesperson SP Tochukwu Ikenga said the command condemned the alleged treatment of the child and was committed to ensuring that anyone found responsible faces the law.
Preliminary findings indicate that the girl allegedly suffered serious physical injuries, including an injury reportedly caused by a heated knife.
Authorities have not announced the outcome of the investigation or established any further circumstances beyond the preliminary allegations.
The police said the investigation would be conducted professionally and thoroughly, with the child’s safety and welfare treated as priorities.
State Agencies Step In
The police response has also been coordinated with the Anambra State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare.
Commissioner of Police CP Nnanna Ama has begun working with the ministry to ensure that the child receives medical attention, protection and other necessary welfare assistance.
The police also praised the Ibollo community security personnel and residents whose intervention helped remove the girl from the alleged danger.
Women Affairs Commissioner Condemns Incident
Anambra State Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare Esther Onyekesi described the alleged abuse as a serious violation of a child’s rights and dignity.
She also commended the police for acting quickly and stressed the importance of cooperation between law enforcement and social welfare agencies when vulnerable people are at risk.
According to Onyekesi, the state government, under Governor Chukwuma Soludo, remains committed to protecting children from violence, exploitation and other forms of abuse.
She warned that anyone found culpable of violating children’s rights would face legal consequences.
Residents Urged to Speak Up
Officials are also urging members of the public not to ignore suspected cases of child abuse.
Residents are encouraged to report concerns involving:
- Physical or emotional abuseChild neglectMolestation or exploitationThreats to a child’s safetyOther forms of maltreatment
The authorities say early intervention can prevent further harm.
For now, the investigation remains ongoing, while government agencies work to provide the rescued child with the medical care, protection and support she needs.
