A secondary school teacher identified as Blessing Emmanuel has been arrested by operatives of the Imo State Police Command for allegedly abusing her 12-year-old stepdaughter, Amarachi, News About Nigeria reports.
An Owerri-based activist journalist, Chidiebube Okeoma, confirmed the arrest on Thursday.
He noted that the suspect was arrested on Tuesday after a complaint was lodged at the Owerri Area Command headquarters.
According to Okeoma, he discovered the plight of the victim after two local women, Eunice and Amarachi, spotted her selling sachet water on the streets with visible injuries, including bruises and matchet cuts.
He, however, disclosed that the victim is currently receiving treatment at the Umuguma General Hospital in Owerri.
He added that he has enrolled Amarachi in the Imo State Health Insurance Scheme for vulnerable children and is advocating for her welfare.
Okeoma said, “Amarachi Emmanuel is 12 years old. Her mother died in 2018, and her father married the suspect in 2019. They live in the Nekede area of Owerri. The girl and her two siblings have been out of school for years now.
“The woman commanded them to be hawking sachet water for her every day and be making returns to her while their mates are in school.
“I have involved the National Human Rights Commission, the Owerri Municipal Council Welfare Department, and the Imo State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development.
“Many human rights organisations have also contacted me in regard to this case. The Owerri branch of the Nigeria Bar Association has also contacted me. Various media organisations are interested in the girl’s matter now.
“Battering of children has no place in the 21st century. Police are investigating, and my request is that the woman be arraigned. The woman turned the girl and her siblings into slaves, simply because their mother is late and their father is medically unstable.”
