A woman, Mrs Ogechi John, an indigene of Oderiko in Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State has allegedly killed her nine-year-old stepdaughter, Amanda John.
Penpushing reports that the incident was made known in a statement published on Governor Peter Mbah’s WhatsApp media platform, adding that the suspect beat the child to death at their residence in Nchatancha, Emene, in Enugu East Local Government Area.
The statement stated that the suspect was arrested by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force in connection with the death of the child, citing accounts by neighbours, that the incident occurred around 3pm on Sunday.
Penpushing further reports that the statement said residents alleged that the late Amanda had been subjected to repeated maltreatment by the suspect before the tragedy.
The Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs and Social Development, Ngozi Enih, reacting to the sad development said the state government would ensure the suspect faced 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,” Enih said.
Penpushing also reports that the commissioner added that the government would closely monitor the legal process to ensure justice was served without delay.
“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.
Penpushing reports that the statement added that the state government reiterated its commitment to protecting minors, warning that anyone involved in child abuse or violence would be prosecuted.
The statement said the suspect remains in police custody while investigations continue, however, the police station handling the case or the specific cause of the child’s death was not made known as at the time of filing this report
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