Wife of Anambra State Governor, Dr Nonye Soludo, has condemned the alleged abuse of a 10-year-old boy by his guardians in Awada, Obosi, Idemili North LGA, describing the incident as cruel and unacceptable.
Soludo, in a statement on Monday, said she was deeply saddened and disturbed by reports and images of the abuse suffered by the child.
She said no child deserved to endure such treatment, regardless of the circumstances.
“I’m deeply saddened and disturbed by the horrific abuse allegedly suffered by the 10-year-old boy in the hands of his guardians in Awada, Obosi.
“No child, whatever the offence, deserves to endure such cruelty, and as a mother, I find the images and reports from the incident deeply troubling,” she said.
The governor’s wife said she had spoken with the state Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, and appealed for the child to be transferred from his current hospital to a more suitable medical facility for specialised treatment and care.
According to her, the move is aimed at ensuring that the child receives optimum medical attention and all necessary support for his recovery.
Soludo also pledged to take full responsibility for the child’s rehabilitation.
“I have pledged to take full responsibility for his rehabilitation and ensure that he is given every opportunity to heal physically, emotionally and psychologically,” she said.
She further called for all those connected with the alleged abuse to be brought to justice, including the arrest of the suspect’s husband to answer questions regarding the incident.
“Those responsible must face the full weight of the law.
“Anambra State, under this administration, maintains zero tolerance for any form of abuse against children and women, and I will personally follow up on this case to ensure that justice is rightly served,” she said.
Soludo urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report cases of abuse whenever they occur.
She also commended individuals who raised the alarm and brought the incident to public attention.
“We must all remain vigilant and speak up whenever we witness abuse because every child deserves protection, dignity and love.
“I thank everyone who spoke up and brought this heinous act to light,” she said.
A viral video of the minor was seen on social media with a scalded body, showing injuries on all parts of his body, allegedly inflicted on him by his guardians, a woman and her husband.
