Anambra State Government Rescues 19-Year-Old House Girl After Brutal Abuse Incident

The Ministry of Women and Social Welfare in Anambra State has rescued a 19-year-old house girl, Chidiebere Otenyi, from severe domestic abuse in Ezinifite, Aguata Local Government Area. The young woman was found with signs of physical abuse and reported being frequently mistreated by her employer, Mrs. Martha Umenweke.

The rescue operation took place after a concerned whistleblower notified the Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Mrs. Ify Obinabo, about the situation. Obinabo, visibly disturbed by the incident, vowed to take decisive action against the accused, Mrs. Umenweke, promising that justice would be served.

Chidiebere Otenyi, originally from Nkanu, Enugu State, stated that she had lived with Martha for over a year but experienced severe punishment and neglect throughout her time there. She mentioned that her employer would often starve her as a form of punishment and brutally discipline her for minor or imagined infractions.

Perhaps most shocking is the revelation that, despite her age, Chidiebere was demoted to primary 3 education by her employer. This was allegedly due to accusations of theft involving 25,000 naira. According to sources, Martha’s disciplinary measures included beating and starving the girl, with assistance from an associate, Mr. David, who was reported to have tied up the victim’s hands and legs after a particularly brutal incident.

Following Chidiebere’s rescue, the case was handed over to the police for further investigation and subsequent prosecution at the Children, Sexual, and Gender-Based Violence Magistrate Court in Awka. Commissioner Ify Obinabo stated that the Anambra State Government would ensure justice for Chidiebere and seek the maximum penalties for those responsible for her abuse.

The Ministry of Women and Social Welfare urges the public to report any cases of domestic abuse or child mistreatment to the appropriate authorities to prevent further injustices.