The police in Anambra State, southeast Nigeria, are on the lookout for Mrs. Adachukwu Chukelu Okafor, a lawyer accused of assaulting an 11-year-old girl named Happiness Nwafor.
According to SaharaReporters, women from Umuada Awgu Progressive Association and Umuada Awgu Global protested against the brutalization of Miss Nwafor, who was allegedly attacked with a hot knife and electric iron by her guardian, Mrs. Okafor.
Mrs. Okafor, residing in Onitsha, Anambra State, was reported to have inflicted severe injuries on Happiness due to dissatisfaction with the girl’s bathing of her eight-year-old daughter.
Mrs. Okafor’s actions drew wide condemnation on social following speculations that she also inserted a hot knife in the girl’s private part while maltreating her.
Despite Mrs. Okafor being in hiding, the Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ikenga Tochukwu, confirmed the incident, stating that the police command, in collaboration with the state government, is investigating the matter and ensuring the welfare of the rescued child.
Governor Prof. Chukwuma Soludo pledged to prosecute Mrs. Okafor, emphasizing a zero-tolerance policy toward abuse or violation of vulnerable individuals and minors in the state.
He assured that justice will be served under the Child Rights Act (2003) and Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act (2017), demonstrating his administration’s commitment to upholding law and order for a prosperous homeland.
“Mrs Adachukwu Cukelu-Okafor who visibly violated the young girl left in her custody is one out of many who do not deserve a place amongst decent humanity.
“We have commenced actions to ensure she (Cukelu-Okafor) is brought to justice,” he said.
“My administration is big on entrenching law and order as a foundation for building the liveable and prosperous homeland that we all seek,” Soludo added.