17-Year-Old Girl Saved From Her Ritualist Stepfather

The state government of Anambra has rescued a 17-year-old girl from her suspected ritualist stepfather in Nise town, Awka South Local Government Area.

According to Hon Ify Obinabo, State Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, who confirmed the event in a statement on Tuesday, June 13, 2023, the suspect, Mr Sunday Ezeh, a traditionalist, sought to exploit the 17-year-old girl for ritual.

According to Miss Chidinma Ikeanyionwu, the Commissioner’s media aide, the girl had a successful surgery and is recovering in the paediatrics ward of the Chukwuebuka Odumegwu Teaching Hospital in Amaku Awka.

Hon Obinabo explained when she brought the girl to the hospital that she was informed of the occurrence by some Nise residents but, due to the sensitivity of the matter, collaborated with the local vigilante in apprehending the culprit before giving him over to the police.

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“She therefore warned that Prof Chukwuma Soludo’s led administration has zero tolerance for any form of crime hence when caught committing one, must be severely dealt with,” the statement read.

“Hon Obinabo on her second visit to the hospital went further to warn everyone to desist from any form of harmful traditional practices against girls, children and women as the case may be as she noted that according to reports, Sunday Ezeh wanted to use his stepdaughter for ritual.

“Sharing her experience, the 17-year-old survivor who was rescued and taken to the hospital for treatment said, she was bound hands and feet by the said father and locked up in a room for one month without food.

“According to her, she couldn’t remember what her offence was but was told by her father that she messed up the compound with her poo and the beating and inhumane treatment were her punishment.

“The rescued girl also noted that the stepfather had used a Bamboo plank to hit her on the head but for the early intervention of people, she was saved and brought to the hospital.

“Whereas according to the alleged suspect Sunday Ezeh, he noted that he merely punished his disobedient daughter for desecrating his compound with poo which is against his traditional belief and practice, though pleaded for pardon during the arrest but was handed over to the police.

“The case has been transferred to the Anambra State Police Criminal Investigative Department and will be charged to court.

“Meanwhile, the survivor sustained a lot of injury in all parts of her body and as a result was billed for emergency surgery in the head.”