Enugu State Government has taken swift action regarding the disturbing case of Mrs. Ada Ogbogu, who allegedly assaulted her stepson with a pestle, causing serious harm.

Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Ngozi Enih, announced on Saturday that Mrs. Ogbogu, a resident of Sunrise Estate in Emene, Enugu metropolis, was arrested on Friday and is now in police custody.

“This decisive move demonstrates the state government’s commitment to protecting its children and ensuring that such horrific incidents will not be tolerated.

“Enugu State has a strong stance against child mistreatment, and this arrest sends a clear message that perpetrators will face consequences.

“It’s reassuring to know that the government is taking proactive steps to safeguard the well-being of its young citizens. The state’s dedication to children’s welfare is evident in its policies and actions, making Enugu a safer place for its residents,” the Commissioner said.

She added that, “Once we were tipped off through one of our whistleblower channels on Friday, I quickly contacted the police and we all mobilised to the location, but only to meet the suspect, Mrs. Ada Ogbogu’s absence. We, therefore, headed for the National Orthopaedic Hospital Enugu, where we immediately effected her arrest after informing the hospital’s management.

“We were also at the victim’s bedside where we met with the team of doctors handling his case. The poor boy, aged three, had his femur or thigh bone broken.

“It is heart-wrenching how wickedly some people treat other people’s children and sometimes even their own children. But in Enugu State, we have zero tolerance for such excesses.

“Governor Peter Mbah has declared that no child should suffer abuse in Enugu State under his watch. Hence, this administration has made examples of culprits. This one will not be an exception after the police investigation.”

“In the meantime, the wife of the governor, Her Excellency, Mrs. Nkechinyere Mbah, is very pained by this development and has been intensively on the matter.

“She has promised to not only see that justice is done, but also ensure that the little boy get all the medical treatment he needs to get back on his feet as soon as possible,” Mrs. Enih stated.

No fewer than 40 people are feared trapped after a collapsed on Saturday in the Sabon Lugbe area of Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Sympathisers and emergency workers are onsite, working to rescue those still caught beneath the debris.

According to findings, the building, reportedly under construction, collapsed in the early hours, prompting calls for immediate intervention from government agencies and emergency response teams.

Witnesses at the scene demanded urgent additional support to aid ongoing rescue efforts.

An eyewitness who pleaded anonymity said: “No fewer than 40 persons are currently trapped in a building collapse that occurred in the Sabon Lugbe area of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. People are under this rubble.

“It is a building under construction. We are calling on the government and relevant agencies to come and rescue those who are trapped here”.

The incident comes weeks after a section of a two-storey residential building collapsed in Abuja’s Kubwa area.

In that case, four people were rescued, while an unconfirmed number of others were initially feared trapped.

The Kubwa building was located close to Cupid Hotel on Sultan Dasuki Way.

Security operatives are already on ground for rescue mission and preventing looting from criminals.

The Enugu state police command has released photos of the officer who allegedly killed male traditional Ogene musician, Okezie Chikezie Mba, popularly known as Igbo-Jah.

According to the police, the musician was reportedly leaving the Squad’s Headquarters after a friendly visit when, for reasons yet to be ascertained, the police officer identified as Inspector Ozonwanji Joseph, fired his rifle, hitting the victim on October 25.

The musician was immediately rushed to the hospital, where he was confirmed de@d by the attending doctor. His body has been deposited in the mortuary for preservation and autopsy.

Meanwhile the state Commissioner of Police, CP Kanayo Uzuegbu, in company of top officials of the State Government, today, October 26, 2024, visited the family of the deceased Ogene musician.

CP Kanayo reassured the family, relatives, friends, and good people of Enugu State that the ongoing investigation into the case will be concluded within record time and justice duly served.

The CP emphasized that the Nigeria Police Force remains a disciplined organisation where erring police officers are made to face the consequences of their actions to serve as deterrence to others. He restated his sympathy and empathy to everyone affected by the unfortunate and callous murder of the musician, urging all and sundry to keep faith with the police while justice is done to the case.