The Anambra State Chapter of the Network Against Child Trafficking, Abuse and Labour has condemned the flogging to death of a 4 year old girl, Ifechukwu Udeogu by a 37 year old woman, Chinelo Udeogu.
Earlier this week, the state woke to the news of the killing of the young child by the suspect after she inflicted grievous bodily injuries on her.
Sources said the suspect carried out the action in a feat of anger, and that when she discovered that the baby had died, she allegedly put her in a bag and dumped her in a bush.
Video circulating online showed the woman being apprehended by some residents of Amikwo- Awka, where she dumped the baby in a nearby bush.
It was gathered that the death of the young baby was discovered on 5th October, 2022, when the suspect was arrested by NAPTIP operatives in a Primary School in Awka, where she had earlier enrolled the victim and had gone to collect back the school fees she paid for the deceased victim.
While being questioned on the whereabout of the deceased victim, she disclosed that the victim who she claimed was her granddaughter, had died and she dumped her remains in the bush around Hezekiah Dike Crescent Awka.
Reacting to the development, the Anambra State Coordinator of NACTAL, Eucharia Onyemaobi regretted that cases of child trafficking, abuse, labour, assault and exploitation is on the increase in the society today, resulting sometimes in death.
She expressed worry that the crime is committed by full-blown adults who should know better, that children are the future of the society and should be handled with care.
“The death of a child is just so regrettable and we totally condemn the inhuman acts ranging from grievous bodily harm, resulting in the death of this child.
“Sadly, this is an indication that children below 5years suffer the most violence.
“Child maltreatment is a global problem with serious life-long consequences.
“Most children who suffer this problem end up never remaining the same with the accompanying psychological effects that they live with for the rest of their lives.
“It is unfortunate that this incident in Anambra resulted in death and we condemn it in its entirety,” she said.
The Anambra NACTAL boss reminded the general public, citizens, schools and other stakeholders in child management that they have an obligation to see something and say something, to raise alarm when the see warning signs of violence against children.
According to her, the culture of silence in the face of such evil is a major factor driving its increase in the society.
Onyemaobi commended the efforts of the Anambra Commissioner for Women Affairs Women and Social Welfare Commissioner, Mrs Ify Obinabo for her interventions in arresting cases of child labour, abuse and trafficking in the state, as well as the contributions of security agencies and other line agencies towards ending the anomaly.
She said; “NACTAL is seriously concerned about the levels of violence and abuse children face.
“Therefore, we will continue to call on the government, for the reinforcements of the child right act, calling communities, schools, agencies, NGOs and other civil societies to brace up because eventually it takes a village to raise a child.
“Also, there's a strong need for government to strengthen its relationship with relevant agencies, civil societies and NGOs that are in the field of child trafficking and abuse. This will help ameliorate the menace.”
The NACTAL called on the Anambra state government, the commissioner for justice, and other relevant authorities, to make sure that the victim, whose life was snuffed out, gets the justice she deserves.
