Stepmother Nabbed Over Alleged Killing of Nine-Year-Old Girl

The Enugu State Government has confirmed the arrest of a woman, Mrs Ogechi John, for allegedly beating her nine-year-old stepdaughter, Amanda John, to death in Enugu State.

The suspect, said to be from Oderiko in Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, was reportedly apprehended by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force following the incident which occurred at their residence in Nchatancha, Emene, within Enugu East Local Government Area.

According to a statement released on Monday through Governor Peter Mbah’s WhatsApp media platform, the tragic incident happened around 3pm on Sunday.

The government disclosed that neighbours accused the suspect of repeatedly maltreating the deceased before the child eventually died.

Reacting to the development, the Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs and Social Development, Ngozi Enih, condemned the alleged act, stressing that the state government would ensure justice was served.

She stated that the administration of Governor Peter Mbah maintained a strict stance against child abuse and violence.

“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.

The commissioner further stated that the government would monitor the investigation and prosecution process to ensure the matter was handled 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.

The state government reiterated its commitment to protecting children, warning that perpetrators of child abuse and violence would face prosecution.

Mrs John remains in police custody while investigations continue.

The government, however, did not disclose the police division handling the case or the exact cause of the child’s death.