Ebonyi Gov Orders Arrest Of Culprits In Battering Of 14-Year-Old Girl

Uzoamaka ChukwuGovernor of Ebonyi State, David Umahi, on Tuesday condemned the stripping and battering of a 14-year-old girl, Uzoamaka Chukwu, in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area of the state.

Chukwu, a JSS 2 student, was last month allegedly stripped naked, dragged around on the ground and flogged on the orders of the coordinator of Ohaozara Development Centre, Ogbonnaya Odi.

When the news first broke, it was reported that the girl was humiliated by her father, who supposedly caught her with her lover in his house. However, as the story unfolded, it was discovered that Miss Chukwu was an orphan and victim of oppression by Mr. Odi and his cohorts, including two serving police men.

Reacting to the viral report, Gov. Umahi, in a statement by his spokesperson, Emma Anya, said he had directed the police to ensure that all the perpetrators, be they political appointees or not, were properly investigated with a view to bringing those guilty to justice.

“Ebonyi State Government condemns in totality, the inhuman treatment meted out to a minor, Miss Uzoamaka, Chukwu, by some people in Ohoazara LGA”, the statement said.

It continued: “Government encourages the state police command to ensure a thorough investigation of the incident and bring to book, the suspects, some of whom are already in detention”.

“Governor David Umahi will not in any way condone the violation of the rights of any Ebonyian, especially minors, by anyone be he in government or private sector.

“The politicisation of this pitiful situation cannot benefit the little girl concerned nor the politicians parading her on national media. The naked images of the child splashed on newspaper pages are utterly condemnable”.

“Government has already taken action to locate the minor in order to ensure that she is properly rehabilitated and made to overcome the trauma she has passed through”.