Guard Time Information (GTI), Human Rights Activists Nationwide, in collaboration with the Anambra State Police Command, has condemned in strong terms the alleged brutal physical abuse of a seven-year-old girl, Oluebube Ofoma, in Obosi, Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The development has triggered urgent intervention by security personnel, the Police and relevant authorities following the rescue of the child and the arrest of her mother, Mrs. Ogechi Ofoma, 32, in connection with the alleged incident.
The Anambra State Police Command said it received the report on the evening of 13 September 2026, after security personnel from Ibollo Community, Awada-Obosi, and concerned residents reportedly intervened and rescued the child from further harm.
Preliminary information available to the authorities indicates that the child allegedly suffered severe physical injuries, including injuries reportedly inflicted with a hot knife.
The circumstances surrounding the alleged abuse are currently under investigation.
CP Nnanna Oji Ama Orders Urgent Intervention
The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, has commenced collaboration with the Anambra State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare and Guard Time Information to ensure that the victim receives immediate medical attention, protection and appropriate welfare support.
The Police Command described the protection of the child as a priority and assured the public that the investigation would be conducted professionally, thoroughly and in accordance with the law.
The Command also commended the Ibollo Community security personnel and residents for their vigilance and swift intervention, which helped facilitate the rescue of the child and the commencement of police action.
Bibi Oduku: ‘Justice Must Be Served’
Reacting to the incident, Comrade Bibi Oduku, Chairman of Guard Time Information (GTI), Human Rights Activists Nationwide, described the alleged abuse as disturbing and unacceptable, stressing that children must be protected from every form of violence, torture and abuse.
“This is a deeply disturbing situation. A seven-year-old child should be protected, cared for and allowed to grow in safety and dignity. No child should be subjected to violence or any form of cruel treatment.”
Comrade Bibi Oduku said GTI’s legal team in Anambra State would closely follow the case and work with the Police, the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare and other relevant authorities to ensure that the child’s rights and welfare remain protected throughout the process.
“We will follow this matter closely through our legal and human-rights structures in Anambra State. If the investigation establishes criminal responsibility, the appropriate person must face the law. Justice must be served in accordance with due process.”
He further called for comprehensive medical care, psychological support and continued protection for the victim.
‘This Case Must Send a Strong Message Against Child Abuse’
According to the GTI Chairman, the incident should serve as a wake-up call to parents, guardians, communities and government institutions on the urgent need to strengthen child-protection mechanisms across Nigeria.
“This case should send a strong message that child abuse must never be tolerated. We must move from simply condemning child abuse after it happens to preventing it, reporting it promptly and ensuring that victims receive immediate protection and support.”
He urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspected cases of child abuse to the Police, relevant government agencies, community authorities or credible human-rights organisations.
GTI Human Rights Activists Nationwide, Police Reaffirm Commitment to Child Protection
Guard Time Information and the Anambra State Police Command reiterated that the safety, dignity and best interests of the child must remain paramount.
GTI Human Rights Activists Nationwide further called on relevant authorities to ensure that the victim is not only medically treated but also provided with appropriate psychosocial support and a safe environment while the investigation and legal process continue.
The organisation commended the residents and community security personnel whose timely intervention helped bring the alleged abuse to the attention of the authorities.
GTI Human Rights Activists Nationwide said it would continue to advocate for the protection of vulnerable persons, promotion of human rights and effective enforcement of child-protection laws across Nigeria.
The organisation stressed that every Nigerian child has the right to safety, dignity, protection and freedom from violence, torture and abuse.
