The Anambra State Government has arrested a 25-year-old woman, Chinyere Ifesinachi for allegedly Child abuse and torturing her infant house-help, Idinmachukwu in Nnewi, Anambra State.
The suspect reportedly used both cane and pestle to inflict varying degrees of injury on the 5year-old victim, who she accused of throwing her baby on the floor, the incident was clearly considered child abuse and which led to her arrest.
An online video received by TNC correspondent in Anambra showed the victim where she was nabbed by residents when she went to dump refuse at a site.
Her body especially her face and head, was seriously swollen and the people could not touch her because of the severe pain she felt.
According to the victim, who could hardly speak, her mistress, who she identified as ‘mama ejima’ (mother of twins) inflicted the injuries on her, because her baby fell off her hands.
When she was accosted by the residents, the suspect, a native of Alor in Idemili South Local Government Area of the state, but married to an Enugu man, blamed the devil for the act, pleading for mercy.
Confirming the arrest, Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Ify Obinabo said the case had been transferred to State Criminal and Investigative Department of the Police Command, Awka and would be charged.
She assured the victim of her safety and that she would not be returning to her guardian’s house after she was taken to hospital for medical examination.
Appreciating those who raised the alarm that attracted her attention to the incident, Obinabo warned that anyone caught abusing any child in the state must face the consequences.
She also commended the Police command for continued partnering her Ministry in ensuring such cases were handled professionally and in record time.
“This is an unacceptable act and the government of the day under Prof Chukwuma Soludo, will make sure that this matter is prosecuted.
“Looking at the victim, she is presently under our care because she has suffered so much trauma in the hands of this woman who ought to have seen her as her own daughter.
“Even if she does not feel uncomfortable having her as a help, the best option is to return her to her parents or whoever she took her from, instead of this height of wickedness.
“For us as government, we will follow up the matter, ensure that the victim is properly taken care of and she will not be returning to that house,” Commissioner Obinabo assured.
Earlier, the parents of the child revealed that their little daughter was sent to live with the suspect following her recent delivery of twins.
They revealed that it was out of pity that they decided to send our little daughter to her after she delivered a set of twins which made it really difficult for her to cope.
“Our daughter left us since March, but it is very unfortunate that barely two months of her stay, she got all kinds of ill-treatments from a woman who supposed to be her guardian,” they said.
Good effort, but the police should also arrest the parents of the 5 year old child to query them for giving out an under-aged child as a house help.