By Deborah Nnamdi
The Abia State Police Command has arrested a 35-year-old woman, identified as Nwoko Gift, over the alleged attempted murder of her 12-year-old niece following a disturbing incident captured in a viral video circulating on social media.
In a statement issued on Monday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Maureen Chioma Chinaka, the command said the suspect, an indigene of Ehimembano in Imo State who resides at IBB Housing Estate, Umuahia, allegedly attacked the girl with a kitchen knife after accusing her of failing to spread clothes before she left for the market.
According to the police, preliminary investigations revealed that the victim, Miss Ebo Chimamanda, lives with her aunt and was allegedly assaulted on Saturday, July 5, 2026, over the domestic chore.
The command further disclosed that the suspect had allegedly subjected the child to repeated physical abuse and had on several occasions threatened to kill her before the latest incident.
Police operatives attached to the World Bank Divisional Police Headquarters in Umuahia were said to have responded swiftly after receiving actionable intelligence, rescuing the girl, arresting the suspect, and recovering the kitchen knife allegedly used in the attack.
The case has since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation.
The police said the suspect would be charged with attempted murder upon the conclusion of investigations.
Condemning the incident, the Abia State Police Command warned against all forms of violence and child abuse, urging residents to promptly report similar cases to the nearest police station.
“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,” the statement said.
