Enugu Government Announces Arrest of Woman Over Alleged Killing of Stepdaughter
The Enugu State Government has announced the arrest of Ogechi John over the alleged killing of her nine-year-old stepdaughter, Amanda John.
According to a statement published on Governor Peter Mbah’s WhatsApp media platform on Monday, the suspect, an indigene of Oderiko in Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, was arrested by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force.
The government said the arrest followed the alleged beating to death of the child at the family residence in Nchatancha, Emene, located in Enugu East Local Government Area of Enugu State.
According to accounts from neighbours cited in the statement, the incident occurred around 3 p.m. on Sunday, with residents alleging that the child had previously been subjected to repeated maltreatment by the suspect.
Reacting to the incident, the Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs and Social Development, Ngozi Enih, said the state government would ensure that the suspect faces the full weight of the law.
“It is on record that the Governor Peter Mbah administration has zero tolerance for any form of child abuse, let alone child homicide. We swung into action immediately upon learning of this tragedy to ensure the suspect was arrested,” she said.
The commissioner added that the government would closely monitor the case to ensure a thorough and speedy investigation.
“We will be pressing for a thorough and expedited investigation to ensure that justice is not just done, but done swiftly. Nobody should take another person’s life, especially that of a child in Enugu State. We condemn the act in totality,” she added.
The Enugu State Government reiterated its commitment to protecting children and warned that anyone involved in child abuse or violence against minors would be prosecuted.
The suspect remains in police custody while investigations continue.
Enugu Government Announces Arrest of Woman Over Alleged Killing of Stepdaughter