7-year Old Boy Rescued from Abusive Parents in Abia

A seven year old boy identified as Ugochukwu Destiny has been rescued from harrowing domestic abuse allegedly inflicted by his biological father and stepmother in Osisioma, near Aba.

In a swift and courageous response, the Abia State Ministry of Women Affairs, and acting on a distress call received through the Office of the Wife of the Governor, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, the Ministry despatched a team to the boy’s school and residence located at 27 Ugo Street, off Adaelu Road.

The child, a pupil in Basic 1, was retrieved in visibly distressed condition, while the stepmother, identified as Kelechi, reportedly displayed no emotion during the intervention.

Leading the rescue team was Mrs. Josephine Onulaka, Director of Child Development, on behalf of the State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr. (Mrs.) Maureen Aghukwa, and the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Ogechi Oguama.

“Our duty is clear: from birth to 17 years, every child in this state is under our watch. When abuse is evident, we move in without delay,” said Dr. Aghukwa in a statement delivered by Onulaka.

“This is not just a family matter, this is a criminal act,” said the Commissioner. “We urge community members to break the silence. Report what you see. Your voice can save a life.”

In his testimony, young Ugochukwu tearfully recounted enduring routine beatings with wooden sticks and sharp objects, allegedly at the hands of his father, Mr. Ezechinyere Ugochukwu, and stepmother.

He complained of constant pain, especially in his head.

Meanwhile, the boy has since been taken into protective government custody, in accordance with Abia State child protection protocols, while father has since been arrested by law enforcement officials.

The Ministry has assured the public that he will be placed in a government-approved shelter while undergoing medical and psychological evaluation.

This case underscores the urgent need for stronger community vigilance and stricter enforcement of child protection laws across Nigeria. The Ministry is calling for an active partnership with the public to combat the growing menace of domestic child abuse.