By OBINNA UNAEZE

The Anambra Government has condemned, in strong terms, the alleged flogging and inflicting severe physical injuries on 10-year-old Chizoba Ifeanyi by her aunt, Mrs Adaobi Agbonta, in Ogidi.

The Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Mrs Chinyere Onyekesi, disclosed this in a statement issued by the ministry’s Media Officer, Mr Dominic Michael, and made available to newsmen in Awka, on Friday.

“The suspect, Agbonta, has been arrested and is now in police custody,” Onyekesi said.

She vowed justice for the victim, saying that anyone found culpable would face the full consequences of the law.

She said that the child, who hails from Enugu, was allegedly subjected to physical abuse in Ogidi, Idemili North LGA of the state, on Thursday, “for refusing to sweep the house”.

“This is unacceptable, it is a violation of the child’s right,” the commissioner said.

“Discipline should never be an excuse for inflicting severe physical injuries on a child,” she said, adding that “no house chores can justify such a treatment”.

She assured the public that the matter would be addressed in accordance with the law.

Onyekesi reaffirmed the commitment of the State Government to protecting children and combating all forms of abuse and maltreatment.

She gave the assurance that appropriate protective measures would be taken to safeguard the victim and prevent further harm.

The commissioner called on residents to report suspected cases of child abuse, neglect and other forms of maltreatment to the relevant authorities, emphasising that the protection of children requires collective responsibility.

She further reiterated the commitment of her ministry to safeguarding the rights, dignity and welfare of every child in the state.

She urged parents, guardians and caregivers to adopt safe and responsible approaches to child discipline. (NAN)