By Nwabueze Okonkwo
ONITSHA — Dr. Mrs. Nonye Soludo, wife of Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has urged residents of the state to promptly report cases of child abuse and other emergencies through the state’s emergency lines.
Mrs. Soludo made the appeal during a visit to 10-year-old Chiziterem, who is receiving treatment in hospital after allegedly suffering severe abuse, including burns from melted plastic, starvation, torture and other inhuman treatment while living with a woman in Odume Layout, Obosi, in Idemili North Local Government Area of the state.
She stressed the need for collective action to combat child abuse and neglect, describing the protection of children as a shared responsibility.
Expressing relief at the boy’s improving condition, Mrs. Soludo said medical reports indicated that he was now stable and making encouraging progress.
She commended the medical team, concerned citizens and all those who had shown support and compassion towards the child, assuring that his recovery would continue to be closely monitored to ensure he receives the care and protection he deserves.
Meanwhile, three persons, including a woman, are in the custody of the Anambra State Police Command over the alleged abuse of the child.
Sources said the principal suspect, identified as Mrs. Chisom Chukwuyere, allegedly subjected the boy to repeated acts of abuse, including starvation, torture and other forms of inhuman treatment.
Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said preliminary investigations showed that the victim suffered serious physical abuse while living with the suspects at James Obinna Street, Odume Layout, Isiowulu, off Minaj Junction, Obosi, in Idemili North Local Government Area.
Ikenga disclosed that the principal suspect allegedly confessed during interrogation and recounted how she used burning plastic to inflict injuries on the child.
According to the police, the victim has since been rescued by Mrs. Soludo and is receiving medical attention and other forms of support under her care, while investigators continue to gather evidence to facilitate the prosecution of the suspects.
The police spokesman added that accounts from residents suggested the child was repeatedly assaulted, sometimes in the presence of the woman’s husband. He was also reportedly tied up and confined behind the house, where the abuse allegedly continued over a prolonged period.
The case sparked widespread outrage after the boy’s parents, natives of Umuofiagu-Ukehe in Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area of Enugu State, narrated how they entrusted their son to the guardian in the hope of securing a better future for him, only to later discover the alleged abuse.
The parents expressed regret that the accused woman hails from the same community as their family, saying they never imagined such a betrayal could occur.
Reacting to the incident, the Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, CP Ikioye Orutugu, commended residents whose vigilance and timely information helped security operatives uncover the alleged crimes.
He reassured the public of the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property, enforcing the law without fear or favour, and ensuring that perpetrators of criminal acts are brought to justice.
The commissioner also urged residents to sustain collaboration with the police and other security agencies by promptly reporting suspicious activities and criminal acts through the command’s emergency lines or the nearest police station.
