The police in Anambra State in collaboration with the Anambra State Government has arrested one Chinyere Ifesinachi for allegedly causing harm to her five-year-old house-help, in Nnewi area of the state.
Mrs Ify Obinabo, the state’s Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare told journalists in Awka on Saturday, that the 25-year-old Ifesinachi was arrested by the police following a tip-off.
Obinabo said that the suspect, a native of Alor in Idemili South Local Government Area of the state, used cane and pestle to beat the girl to a pulp because she threw her child on the ground.
She said that the case had been transferred to the State Criminal and Investigative Department of the Anambra Police Command where the suspect would be charged to court.
“Immediately the incident was brought to my attention, I sent our response team and some non-governmental organisations in the company of the Police to arrest the perpetrator.
“The little girl was taken to the hospital where she is still undergoing medical examinations and treatments to ascertain the extent of her injuries. She is safe now and will not be returning to her guardian’s house again.
“We appreciate those who reported the case and the Police Command for making sure that such cases are handled professionally and in record time,” she said.
The Commissioner cautioned families and guardians against child abuse and maltreatment of their children and house helps in the state.
According to her, anyone caught abusing any child in Anambra will face the consequences.
The accused, Ifesinachi, while pleading for mercy, admitted that she flogged and inflicted injury on the body of the girl.
She blamed the devil for her actions.
Earlier, the parents of the child revealed that their little daughter was sent to live with and help the suspect after she gave birth to a twin.
“It was out of pity that we decided to send our little daughter to live with her after she gave birth to twin, which made it really difficult for her to cope with catering for her home.
“Our daughter left us in March, but it is very unfortunate that barely two months of her stay, she got all kinds of ill-treatments from a woman who is supposed to be her guardian,” they said.
