Teacher Arrested For Brutally Assaulting 12-Year-Old Stepdaughter

Owerri, Imo State – A secondary school teacher, Mrs. Blessing Emmanuel, has been apprehended by Imo State police for allegedly subjecting her 12-year-old stepdaughter, Amarachi Emmanuel, to years of brutal abuse.

The arrest follows an outcry from journalist and activist Chidiebube Okeoma who brought the case to light after witnessing the extent of the girl’s injuries.

Amarachi, who lost her mother in 2018, was forced to live under her stepmother’s harsh rule after her father remarried in 2019.

According to reports, the stepmother denied her education and forced her and her siblings to hawk sachet water to support the family.

The abuse escalated when Amarachi ate rice without her stepmother’s permission, resulting in a violent attack.

Okeoma, alerted by two concerned women who found Amarachi selling water on the streets of Owerri, recorded a video showcasing the young girl’s injuries, which included machete cuts and burns.

The video went viral, sparking public outrage and prompting authorities to take action.

The Imo State Health Insurance Agency (IHIA) immediately enrolled Amarachi into the state’s health insurance program under a special scheme for vulnerable children.

Dr. Uchenna Ewelike, the IHIA Executive Secretary and CEO, emphasised that the agency’s intervention aligns with Governor Hope Uzodimma’s policy to provide healthcare for the poor and vulnerable.

Amarachi was transferred to Imo Specialist Hospital where she will receive free comprehensive medical care.

Okeoma has also been advocating for Amarachi’s long-term welfare, reaching out to the National Human Rights Commission, the Owerri Municipal Council Welfare Department, and the Imo State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development to secure a safe environment and education for her and her siblings.

The police, led by Commissioner Aboki Danjuma, have launched a full investigation into the case and assured the public that due process will be followed.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Bar Association’s Owerri branch, alongside other human rights groups, have called for swift justice for the abuse inflicted on Amarachi.

Amarachi’s case has brought to the forefront the pressing need to protect vulnerable children in society.

The quick action by the IHIA and the ongoing efforts of activists and law enforcement offer hope for Amarachi’s recovery and a brighter future for her and her siblings.