Sophia Afolabi

Enugu State Government has confirmed the arrest of a woman, Mrs Ogechi John, over the alleged killing of her nine-year-old stepdaughter, Amanda John.

The development was disclosed in a statement issued via the social media platform of Governor Peter Mbah.

According to the statement, the suspect, said to be from Oderiko community in Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, was arrested by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force in connection with the child’s death.

Authorities said the incident occurred at the family residence in Nchatancha, Emene, in Enugu East Local Government Area of the state.

The statement, citing accounts from residents, alleged that the deceased had suffered repeated abuse before the fatal incident.

Reacting, Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs and Social Development, Ngozi Enih, said the state government would ensure the suspect faces prosecution in line with the law.

“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.

She added that the government would monitor the investigation and legal process closely to ensure justice is served 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 anyone involved in child abuse or violence against minors would be prosecuted.

The suspect remains in police custody while investigations continue.

Authorities, however, did not disclose the police division handling the matter or officially confirm the exact cause of the child’s death.