The Enugu State Government has announced the arrest of a woman, Mrs Ogechi John, over the alleged killing of her nine-year-old stepdaughter, Amanda John, in Enugu.
In a statement released on Monday through Governor Peter Mbah’s WhatsApp media platform, the government identified the suspect as an indigene of Oderiko in Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
According to the statement, Mrs John was arrested by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force in connection with the death of the child, who was allegedly beaten to death at their residence in Nchatancha, Emene, Enugu East Local Government Area.
The government, citing accounts from neighbours, said the incident occurred around 3pm on Sunday. Residents alleged that Amanda had been subjected to repeated maltreatment by the suspect before the tragic incident.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs and Social Development, Ngozi Enih, said the state government would ensure the suspect faced the full weight of the law.
She said the Mbah administration maintains zero tolerance for child abuse and moved swiftly to ensure the suspect’s arrest immediately after receiving reports of the incident.
Enih also assured that the government would closely monitor the legal process and push for a thorough and expedited investigation to ensure justice is served without delay.
The state government reiterated its commitment to protecting children, warning that anyone involved in child abuse or violence against minors would be prosecuted.
The suspect remains in police custody as investigations continue. Authorities, however, did not disclose the police station handling the case or the specific cause of the child’s death.
