Couple Arrested for Alleged Child Abuse and Neglect in Anambra State

 A couple has been arrested and handed over to the police for their treatment of their five underage sons in the Osumenyi community, Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State.

Mr. Uche and Mrs. Peace Mbonu are accused of child abuse, starvation, and neglecting to provide necessities for their five young boys.

The arrest was conducted by security operatives from Nnewi South LGA and the couple was handed over to the police through the state Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Ify Obinabo.

This information was disclosed on Saturday, June 29, in a statement by the commissioner’s media aide, Chidimma Ikeanyionwu.

The statement read, "In response to accusations of starving the children, the couple denied the allegations, claiming that the children habitually eat raw rice, which frustrates them.

"While pleading for leniency, the couple stated that they do feed the children, but the boys prefer eating raw rice, a behavior they don’t understand.

"Chigbo Mbonu, the eldest of the children, revealed that Peace Mbonu is his father’s third wife and that since her arrival, they have experienced severe hardship.

"Chigbo, who is 17 years old, said they often only eat once a day when their stepmother provides food and otherwise rely on raw rice and palm kernels to stave off hunger.

He further explained that he had to stop attending school to help his father in his block industry, where he molds blocks with four bags of cement on bad days and six bags on regular days.

"A physical examination of the children by the Women Affairs commissioner indicated severe malnourishment and a need for medical care.

"It is important to note that Mr. Uche Mbonu had two previous wives before marrying Peace Mbonu, who was his salesgirl, and that the children are from his previous marriages.

"Security operatives reported that after arresting Mr. Uche Mbonu, his wife, Peace, fled to her maternal home in Nnewi before she was eventually apprehended."

Reacting to the incident, Commissioner Ify Obinabo condemned the actions of the couple and emphasized that the state government will continue to work to minimize child labor, abuse, and all forms of maltreatment.

The couple has been handed over to the police for further investigation, after which the case will be brought to court.