Abia State authorities have rescued a 7-year-old boy, Master Ugochukwu Destiny, from alleged repeated physical abuse by his father and stepmother in Aba. The father, Ugochukwu Ezechinyere, has been arrested by police following intervention from the state government.

The rescue operation was initiated after a whistleblower reported the abuse to the office of the Abia State Governor's wife, who promptly directed the Ministry of Women Affairs to investigate the situation.

A team from the Ministry, led by the Director of Child Development, Mrs. Josephine Onulaka, acting on behalf of the State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr. Maureen Aghukwa, retrieved the child from his school. The boy had reportedly been subjected to severe physical abuse at his father's residence at No. 27 Ugo Street, off Adaelu road, Aba.

In his account of the ordeal, young Ugochukwu, a Basic 1 pupil, narrated that he was repeatedly molested by his father and his stepmother, identified as Kelechi. The child tearfully recounted being beaten with wooden sticks and other sharp objects, leaving him to suffer in pain.

Child Placed in Protective Custody

Speaking at the school where the boy was rescued, Mrs. Onulaka confirmed that the child would be taken into protective custody by the State government in accordance with Abia's child protection protocols. She emphasized that further investigations had been initiated at the residence of the suspects.

The Ministry representative urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report any cases of child abuse to the Ministry of Women Affairs or to law enforcement agencies. This case highlights the ongoing challenges of domestic violence and child abuse in Nigeria, where many incidents go unreported.

Child protection advocates have consistently called for stricter enforcement of child rights laws across Nigeria, with particular emphasis on the need for community members to speak up when they witness abuse.

As investigations continue, authorities have not yet released information about potential charges against the father and stepmother. The case is expected to be prosecuted under relevant child protection laws in Abia State.