The arrest and planned prosecution of Mrs Nwoko Gift, the 35-year-old suspect captured on a viral video attempting to harm a 12-year-old girl, Miss Ebo Chimamanda, with a kitchen knife, in Umuahia, Abia State, has brought commendation from the Onyedimma foundation.
The Onyedinma Foundation said there is a serious need for stronger legal protections for child domestic workers, including the proper enforcement of the Child Rights Act across all states in Nigeria.
Onwuka Glory, Executive Director of Onyedinma Foundation, said that the prompt action, which led to the rescue of the child and the recovery of the dangerous weapon, demonstrates that law enforcement is capable of responding effectively to cases of brutal child abuse when the public remains vigilant and engaged.
“The disturbing video showed a level of cruelty that shocks the conscience of any civilised society. We commend the Commissioner of Police and DSP Maureen Chioma Chinaka for their swift intervention.
“We are encouraged by the resolve of the Nigeria Police Force to charge the suspect with attempted murder, which reflects the severity of the offence and sends a strong deterrent message to potential offenders.
“It is our hope that the judicial process will be thorough and expeditious, ensuring that justice is served for young Chimamanda.”
Onwuka said that the cases of child abuse occurring in the heart of South East Nigeria highlight a deeply troubling episode, as child abuse and domestic worker assault are now spreading like an epidemic.
“All too often, children from rural or economically disadvantaged families are sent to live with relatives or family friends under the guise of better opportunities or education, only to be subjected to relentless exploitation and abuse.”
The Onyedinma Foundation called on every individual who houses a child who is not their biological offspring to recognise their profound responsibility, stressing that the right to discipline a child does not extend to torture, mutilation, or attempts on their lives.
“You are not merely an employer of a helper or a host to a distant relative; you are a guardian, a protector, and a custodian of that child’s future. The law is clear: children are not slaves, and any act of cruelty will face the full wrath of the law, as we have seen in this case.”
The foundation called on members of the public not to remain silent, stressing, “If you witness or suspect any form of child exploitation, abuse, or slave-like labour conditions, you have a moral and civic duty to report it to the nearest police station, the Ministry of Women Affairs, or child protection agencies immediately. Silence enables abuse, while courage saves lives.”
DrumAfricanews reports that Police Public Relations Officer of the Abia State Command, DSP Maureen Chinaka, in a statement on Monday confirmed the arrest of Mrs Nwoko, who hails from Ehime Mbano, Imo State, but resides at IBB Housing Estate, Umuahia, and who is also an aunt to Miss Ebo.
According to the PPRO, Mrs Nwoko, who was caught in the video attempting to kill Miss Ebo, who stays with her, on the basis that she refused to spread the clothes she was asked to spread before she left for the market, will soon be charged in court for attempted murder.
The police further revealed that the investigation also showed that the suspect has repeatedly beaten and has been threatening to kill young Miss Ebo.
“Operatives from the World Bank Divisional Police Headquarters, Umuahia, raced to the scene, leveraging actionable intelligence, rescued the victim, apprehended the suspect, and recovered the exhibit knife.
“Investigation is ongoing, as the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), and the suspect will be charged for attempted murder upon conclusion of the investigation.
“The Command condemns such actions for whatever reasons and advises members of the public to desist from such acts, as well as to report any such incidents to the nearest police station.”
