The wife of the Anambra State Governor, Mrs Nonye Soludo, has vowed to ensure justice for a 10-year-old boy allegedly subjected to severe abuse by his guardians in Awada, Obosi, in Idemili North Local Government Area.
Videos showing extensive injuries on the boy's body surfaced on social media, sparking public outrage. He's currently receiving medical treatment under state protection.
In a statement issued on Monday, Mrs Soludo described the alleged abuse as horrific and pledged to personally oversee the child's rehabilitation and recovery.
She disclosed that she'd spoken with the state Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, and requested that the child be transferred to a more suitable medical facility for specialised care.
"I am deeply saddened and disturbed by the horrific abuse allegedly suffered by the 10-year-old boy in the hands of his guardian in Awada, Obosi," she said.
"No child, whatever their crime, deserves to endure such cruelty, and as a mother, I find the images and reports from the incident deeply troubling."
Mrs Soludo said she'd take full responsibility for the boy's rehabilitation and ensure he receives the support needed to recover physically, emotionally and psychologically.
She also called for the prosecution of all those connected to the alleged abuse.
"I have requested that all those connected to this heinous act be brought to justice, including the arrest of the suspect's husband to answer for a crime that occurred under his roof," she stated.
"Those responsible must face the full weight of the law. Anambra State, under this administration, maintains zero tolerance for any form of abuse against children and women, and I will personally follow up on this case to ensure that justice is rightly served."
Mrs Soludo commended those who brought the incident to public attention.
"We must all remain vigilant and speak up whenever we witness abuse, because every child deserves protection, dignity, and love. I really thank everyone who spoke up and brought this heinous act to light," she added.
The governor's wife has a history of advocating for child welfare. She runs the Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo initiative, which focuses on health and nutrition for women and children.
Anambra State has a Child Rights Law that prohibits child abuse and neglect, with penalties including imprisonment. The state government has previously prosecuted cases of child abuse, though enforcement remains uneven across communities.
The case has drawn attention to the prevalence of child abuse in Nigeria, where many children face violence at home. According to UNICEF, six out of ten Nigerian children experience some form of violence before age 18.
The police in Anambra haven't yet issued a statement on the arrest of the guardians. The boy's current condition and the specific hospital where he's being treated haven't been disclosed for security reasons.