Anambra State’s Ministry of Women and Social Welfare, led by Commissioner Mrs. Ify Obinabo, intervened to rescue Chidiebere Otenyi, a victim of domestic abuse in Ezinifite, Aguata local government area.
The ministry acted swiftly upon receiving a tip-off from a whistleblower about Chidiebere’s situation. Commissioner Obinabo, incensed by the appalling abuse, vowed to hold the perpetrator, Mrs. Martha Umenweke, accountable for her actions.
Chidiebere, a 19-year-old from Nkanu, Enugu State, recounted enduring severe mistreatment by her employer, Martha, who accused her of theft and subjected her to physical and emotional torment, including starvation. Shockingly, Chidiebere revealed she was only in primary 3 despite her age, as Martha had allegedly demoted her upon arrival.
Martha, in her late sixties, justified her actions by accusing Chidiebere of stealing money. Additionally, Martha enlisted the help of an accomplice, Mr. David, who restrained Chidiebere after the assault.
The case has been handed over to the police for thorough investigation and prosecution at the Children, Sexual, and Gender-Based Violence Magistrate court in Awka, underscoring the commitment to justice for victims of abuse.
