A seven-year-old girl, Oluebube Ofoma, has been rescued by the police in Anambra State after she was allegedly subjected to severe physical abuse by her mother at Obosi, Idemili North Local Council.

Oluebube was reportedly rescued from the home of her mother, 32-year-old Ogechi Ofoma, following intervention by security personnel from Ibollo Community, Awada-Obosi, and concerned residents.

The police said the child suffered severe bodily injuries, including injuries allegedly inflicted with a hot knife over an undisclosed issue.

The spokesperson for the Anambra State Police Command, Tochukwu Ikenga, who disclosed this in a statement yesterday, said the command received a report on Sunday evening concerning the alleged abuse and injuries sustained by the child.

According to him, the swift intervention of community security personnel and residents prevented further harm to the girl and led to the arrest of her mother.

“The prompt intervention of security personnel from the Ibollo Community, Awada-Obosi, and concerned residents led to the child’s rescue and the arrest of her mother, Mrs Ogechi Ofoma, 32,” Ikenga said.

He said the command had condemned the alleged brutal treatment of the child and reaffirmed its determination to ensure that anyone found responsible is brought to justice.

Ikenga added that the Commissioner of Police, Nnanna Oji Ama, had assured the public that the command would work with the Commissioner for Women Affairs to secure urgent medical care, protection and other welfare support for the victim.

He commended the vigilance and courage of the community security personnel and residents, saying their swift intervention helped save the child from further harm and enabled the police to commence action immediately.

The command, he said, would conduct a thorough and professional investigation into the incident.

“The welfare, safety and best interests of the child remain paramount, and the command will continue to work with relevant agencies to protect vulnerable persons and ensure accountability in accordance with the law,” Ikenga added.