The arrest followed a complaint made by Owerri-based activist journalist, Chidiebube Okeoma, who reported the case to authorities after learning about the girl’s situation.
According to The PUNCH, Okeoma, Amarachi was found selling sachet water on the streets of Owerri with visible injuries, including bruises and machete cuts.
Two local women, Eunice and Amarachi, initially noticed the child’s condition and brought it to Okeoma’s attention. A video showing the girl’s injuries was shared on social media, sparking widespread concern.
“The child was in a terrible state. She had scars and burns all over her body, from her thighs to her eyes and even her stomach. It’s heartbreaking,” Okeoma said.
Okeoma explained that Amarachi lost her mother in 2018, and her father remarried Blessing Emmanuel in 2019. Since then, the girl and her siblings have been forced to hawk sachet water daily instead of attending school.
“They hawk water from morning till night and are often sent to bed without food. The stepmother frequently beats them, and the latest attack was because Amarachi ate rice without permission,” Okeoma stated.
Following the incident, Okeoma took the child to the Owerri Area Command, leading to the arrest of Blessing Emmanuel. Amarachi has since been admitted to Umuguma General Hospital for medical treatment, and Okeoma has enrolled her in the Imo State Health Insurance Scheme for vulnerable children.
“I have involved the National Human Rights Commission and other relevant authorities to ensure the girl’s well-being. The goal now is to secure education and better living conditions for Amarachi and her siblings,” Okeoma added.
The spokesperson for the Imo State Police Command, Henry Okoye, confirmed the arrest, stating that an investigation is underway. “The Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, has directed that the matter be thoroughly investigated, and the appropriate actions will be taken to ensure justice for the victim,” he said.
Okeoma emphasized the need for urgent action, calling on Nigerians to support the children. “This child needs help. We must show her that there is kindness in the world,” he urged.
