Anambra

Nkereuwem Effiong

Anambra’s First Lady, Dr Nonye Soludo, has condemned the alleged sexual abuse of a child in Onitsha and called for a thorough investigation after four children were rescued in connection with the case.

The police arrested a 36-year-old woman, Anulika Onyeanusia, after a video allegedly showing her sexually abusing a minor circulated online.

The police rescued four children, aged two, three, six and nine, during the operation. Officers also recovered sex toys and other items considered relevant to the investigation.

Soludo said the allegations were deeply disturbing and that children should never be exposed to sexual exploitation or abuse.

“There are some things that are simply beyond comprehension, and the alleged abuse of innocent children is one of them,” she said.

“Children are meant to be protected, loved and given the safety to grow, not subjected to any form of sexual exploitation or abuse.”

The governor’s wife, who founded Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo, commended the police and others whose intervention led to the children’s rescue.

But she said the rescue was only the beginning, urging investigators to establish what happened and determine whether anyone else was involved.

“I urge the police to conduct a thorough, transparent and professional investigation into this matter, leaving no stone unturned in establishing the full facts, identifying anyone else who may have been involved, and ensuring that where wrongdoing is established, the law takes its full course,” she said.

Soludo said the four children would need more than immediate protection, warning that the psychological effects of abuse could persist long after physical danger had passed.

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

She said she would work with relevant government agencies to secure medical, psychological, social and rehabilitation support for the children.

“I will also be engaging with the appropriate government agencies to see how we can provide the necessary medical, psychological, social and rehabilitation support to help these children begin the difficult journey towards healing and recovery,” she said.

Soludo also urged parents, guardians, neighbours and community members to pay closer attention to children and report anything that threatens their safety.

“Silence could never be an option when the safety of a child is at stake,” she said.