By Rita Elenwo
A couple in Adazi-Ani village, Anambra State, who was reported to have starved and neglected their 5-year-old daughter, whom they accused of witchcraft has been apprehended by the Anambra state government.
This was disclosed by the State Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Hon. Ify Obinabo, who said the parents implicated their child as a witch based on a pastor’s statement.
During a meeting at her office in Awka, Obinabo emphasized her commitment to safeguard the rights of all children in the state and assured that the offenders would face justice.
She commended Mr. Ikenna Anoliefo for rescuing the child and encouraged others to follow his example.
The accused individuals, Mr. Michael Wosu, 47, who is from Rivers State, and Mrs. Blessing Michael, 23, from Akwa Ibom, say they were acting on the claim made by their pastor that the child was a “witch” and should not “deserve to live.”
According to the mother, the child sleeps on a plank as a result of her constant bedwetting and defecation, believing that the 5-year-old was responsible for her husband’s misfortunes.
However, the husband says he was not aware of any form of maltreatment meted on the child.
The suspects are in police custody, while the young survivor is receiving medical care at an undisclosed hospital in Awka.
Follow us on social media
