Soludo condemns alleged sexual abuse of child by mother in Anambra

The Anambra State First Lady, Dr Nonye Soludo, has condemned the alleged sexual abuse and exploitation of a child by her supposed mother in Onitsha.

 

Soludo also expressed concern over the rescue of four children in connection with the ongoing investigation into the alleged abuse.

 

The Anambra State Police Command had on Thursday arrested a 36-year-old woman, Anulika Onyeanusia, following the circulation of a disturbing video allegedly showing her using sex toys on a minor.

 

According to the police spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, four children, aged two, three, six and nine, were rescued during the operation, while sex toys and other items relevant to the investigation were recovered.

 

Reacting to the development in a statement on Friday, Soludo said no child deserved to experience such trauma, stressing that society must not become comfortable with the abuse of vulnerable children.

 

The governor’s wife, who is also the founder of the non-governmental organisation, Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo, said the Anambra State Government remained committed to protecting women and children from violence, abuse and exploitation.

 

She said, “I am deeply shaken and profoundly disturbed by the disturbing report of the alleged sexual abuse and exploitation of a child by her supposed mother in Onitsha, and the rescue of four children in connection with the ongoing investigation.

 

“There are some things that are simply beyond comprehension, and the alleged abuse of innocent children is one of them. Children are meant to be protected, loved and given the safety to grow, not subjected to any form of sexual exploitation or abuse.

 

“No child deserves to experience such trauma, and no society should ever become comfortable with the abuse of its most vulnerable.”

 

Soludo commended the police and others whose intervention led to the rescue of the children, urging the command to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation.

 

She said the investigation should establish the full facts of the case, identify anyone else who may have been involved and ensure that anyone found culpable faced the law.

 

The First Lady also called for proper medical, psychological, social and rehabilitation support for the rescued children, stressing that their physical safety was only the beginning of their recovery.

 

She said, “My heart is particularly with the four rescued children. Beyond the immediate rescue, we must be concerned about what happens to them afterwards.

 

“The physical safety of a child is only the beginning; we must also heal the emotional and psychological wounds that may have been inflicted.”

 

Soludo said she would follow the case closely and engage relevant authorities to ensure the children were properly protected and justice was served.

 

She also urged parents, guardians, neighbours and community members to remain vigilant and report anything that could threaten the safety or dignity of children.

 

“Anambra, under the Solution Administration, stands firmly against every form of violence, abuse and exploitation of our women and children. We will protect them with everything we have,” she said.