A couple has been arrested for allegedly starving their 5 year old daughter in Adazi-Ani, Anaocha local government area of Anambra State.
The suspects, Michael Wosu, 47, from Rivers state and Blessing Michael, 23, from Akwa Ibom, both resident at Adazi-Ani, however denied the allegation.
The wife accused the daughter of being responsible for her husband’s downfall in business.
She also admitted subjecting her to sleeping on a plank following her regular defecating and urinating on her body.
“We’re not responsible for her starvation because we are only obeying our pastor’s prophecy who told us that our daughter is a witch and doesn’t deserve to live.
Meanwhile, the husband denied having knowledge of the ill treatment metted on the child.
Confirming the incident, Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Ify Obinabo said the suspects are still in police custody while the victim is receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital in Awka.
She said the arrest followed report she received through the Transition Committee Chairman of Anaocha Local Government Area, Mr Gerald Ozoh and State Coordinator of Ladies of Good Governance Mrs Chinwe Uba.
“My primary assignment is to protect the rights of every child in the state whether from the state or not and I wont let the perpetuators go free,” she said.
The Commissioner appreciated efforts of Mr Ikenna Anoliefo for rescuing the child and raising alarm, calling on others to emulate him.
