Police rescue 12-year-old girl, arrest aunt over alleged murder attempt

By Ijendu Iheaka

The police in Abia have arrested one Mrs Gift Nwoko residing at IBB Housing Estate in Umuahia over alleged attempted murder of her ward, Miss Chimamanda Ebo.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO),  Maureen Chinaka, made the disclosure in a statement issued on Monday in Umuahia.

Chinaka said preliminary investigation revealed that Nwoko, female, 35, from Ehime- Mbano in Imo was an aunt to 12 year-old Ebo.

According to the PPRO, Nwoko, who had been living with Ebo, attempted to kill her on Sunday for failing to spread clothes she directed her earlier before going to the market.

Chinaka said investigations further showed that the suspect (Nwoko) had repeatedly beaten and threatened to kill young Ebo.

“Operatives from the World Bank Divisional Police Headquarters, Umuahia, raced to the scene leveraging on actionable intelligence.

“They rescued the victim, apprehended the suspect, and recovered the exhibit knife,” she said.

The spokesperson said that investigation was ongoing while the case had been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID).

The PPRO said the suspect would be charged for attempted murder upon conclusion of investigation.

“The Command condemns such actions for whatever reasons and advises members of the public to desist from such acts, and to report any such incidents to the nearest police station.

“Together we can keep Abia safe;
See something, say something.” Chinaka said.
(NAN)