From Punch
The Imo State Police Command has arrested a secondary school teacher, Blessing Emmanuel, for allegedly abusing her 12-year-old stepdaughter (name withheld).
The arrest took place on Tuesday following a complaint lodged by Owerri-based activist journalist Chidiebube Okeoma at the Owerri Area Command headquarters.
The plight of the victim came to Okeoma’s attention when two local women spotted her selling sachet water on the streets with visible injuries.
A viral video shared by Okeoma on social media showed the girl with bruises, scars, and machete cuts.
Okeoma confirmed the teacher’s arrest on Thursday, stating that he had taken the victim to Umuguma General Hospital in Owerri, where she is currently receiving urgent medical care.
He said, “She is 12 years old. Her mother died in 2018 and her father married the suspect in 2019. They live in the Nekede area of Owerri. The girl and her two siblings have been out of school for years now.
“The woman commanded them to be hawking sachet water for her every day and be making returns to her while their mates are in schools.”
According to the victim, her stepmother frequently mistreats them.
He stated, “They sell pure water from morning until night and often go to bed hungry. The latest beating occurred because she cooked rice and ate without her permission.”
After the incident, Okeoma took the girl to the police headquarters, resulting in the teacher’s immediate arrest.
He also enrolled the victim in the Imo State Health Insurance Scheme for vulnerable children and is advocating for her welfare.
He added, “I have involved the National Human Rights Commission, Owerri Municipal Council Welfare Department and the Imo State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development.
“Many Human Rights Organizations have also contacted me in regards to this case. The Owerri branch of the Nigeria Bar Association has also contacted me. Various media organizations are interested in the girl’s matter now.
“Battering of children has no place in the 21st century. Police are investigating and my request is that the woman be arraigned. The woman turned the girl and her siblings into slaves, simply because their mother is late and their father is medically unstable.”
Okeoma plans to secure education for the victim and her siblings and seeks to provide them with decent housing, as they currently live in poor conditions.
He said the victim’s injuries include burns and cuts on her thighs, eyes, genitals, legs, arms, and stomach.
“She needs all of us now. Let us tell her that humanity is not wicked. There are compassionate Nigerians all over,” he said.
Imo State Police Command spokesperson Henry Okoye confirmed the developments, stating, “The state Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, had given a directive that the right things be done in the matter.
“When investigations are concluded, the police would do the needful to ensure that the victim gets justice.”
Published by Ejoh Caleb
