A couple in Adazi-Ani, Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State, has been apprehended by authorities for allegedly starving their five-year-old daughter, citing accusations of witchcraft.
According to Mrs. Ify Obinabo, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare in Anambra State, the intervention occurred after receiving reports from Mr. Gerald Ozoh, the Transition Committee Chairman of Anaocha LGA, and Mrs. Chinwe Uba, the state coordinator of Ladies of Good Governance.
Commissioner Obinabo, who spoke to journalists on Thursday, emphasized her commitment to safeguarding the rights of every child in the state and made it clear that the accused couple would not escape justice.
“The girl is currently receiving medical treatment at the hospital, while her parents will be handed over to the police for further investigation,” she stated firmly.
Disturbingly, Mrs. Blessing Wosu, the mother of the young girl, confessed to her actions, explaining that she was following her pastor’s prophecy, which deemed her five-year-old daughter a witch and unworthy of life.
“It is our pastor who gave us a prophecy that she is a witch and does not deserve to live. We were told that she is responsible for her father’s downfall in business. I also make her sleep on a plank due to her constant soiling and urinating on her body,” she revealed, justifying her cruel actions.
However, Mr. Michael Wosu, the husband, denied any knowledge of the ill-treatment inflicted upon their daughter, further complicating this distressing case.
This shocking incident has raised concerns about the influence of superstitious beliefs and the urgent need for awareness and intervention to protect vulnerable children from such cruel practices. The Anambra State Government is expected to take swift action to ensure justice is served in this harrowing case.
