LIFESTYLE Culture

Anambra Calls for Investigation, Rehabilitation of Rescued Children

by admin on | 2026-09-12 11:45:44

Share: Facebook | Twitter | Whatsapp | Linkedin Visits: 34

---

Anambra Calls for Investigation, Rehabilitation of Rescued Children

By Muhammad Bala Imam

The wife of the Anambra State Governor, Dr Nonye Soludo, has called for a thorough investigation and comprehensive rehabilitation of four children rescued following the arrest of a woman over alleged sexual abuse of a minor in Onitsha.

In a statement released by her media aide, Mr Daniel Ezeigwe, in Awka on Saturday, Dr Soludo described the allegations as deeply disturbing and stressed that children must be protected from all forms of abuse and exploitation.

The Anambra State Police Command said it arrested 36-year-old Anulika Onyeanusia on September 10, following intelligence linked to the circulation of a video allegedly showing the suspect sexually abusing an underage child.

The police operation resulted in the rescue of four children, aged two, three, six and nine, while sex toys and other items were recovered from the residence, according to the command.

The suspect remains in police custody as investigators examine the circumstances surrounding the alleged offence and determine whether other persons may have been involved.

The police also said the suspect’s husband was being questioned to establish whether he had any connection with the alleged offence.

Reacting to the development, Dr Soludo commended the police and members of the public whose information and intervention led to the rescue of the children.

She urged investigators to conduct a transparent, professional and comprehensive investigation into the case.

“I urge the police to conduct a thorough, transparent and professional investigation into this matter, leaving no stone unturned in establishing the full facts, identifying anyone else who may have been involved, and ensuring that where wrongdoing is established, the law takes its full course,” she said.

The First Lady said rescuing the children was only the first stage of the response, stressing that their physical safety must be followed by appropriate medical, psychological and social support.

“My heart is particularly with the four rescued children. Beyond the immediate rescue, we must be concerned about what happens to them afterwards. The physical safety of a child is only the beginning; we must also heal the emotional and psychological wounds that may have been inflicted,” she said.

Dr Soludo pledged to work with relevant government agencies and authorities to ensure that the children receive the medical, psychological, social and rehabilitation support required for their recovery.

She also appealed to parents, guardians, neighbours and community members to remain vigilant and promptly report suspected cases of child abuse or any threat to the safety and dignity of children.

“Silence can never be an option when the safety of a child is at stake,” she said.

The First Lady reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to protecting children and other vulnerable persons from violence, abuse and exploitation, adding that anyone found culpable should face the law.

Meanwhile, Onyeanusia, who reportedly denied the allegations during her arrest and claimed that videos circulating online were artificially generated, has appealed to members of the public for forgiveness in a subsequent video recorded while she was in security custody.

In the video, the suspect reportedly attributed her alleged actions to the influence of the devil and claimed that other people were involved in similar activities for financial gain.

The claims have not been independently verified, and the police investigation remains ongoing.

The incident underscores the need for effective child-protection mechanisms, prompt reporting of suspected abuse and coordinated medical, psychological and legal support for children who may have experienced sexual violence.

Authorities have urged members of the public to provide relevant information to law-enforcement agencies whenever they suspect that a child may be at risk.