The Anambra First Lady, Dr Nonye Soludo, has condemned the alleged sexual abuse and exploitation of a child by her supposed mother in Onitsha, describing the development as deeply disturbing.
Her reaction followed the arrest of a 36-year-old woman, Anulika Onyeanusia, by the Anambra State Police Command over an alleged child abuse case.
The arrest came after a disturbing video reportedly circulated online showing a woman allegedly using sex toys on a minor.
According to the police, four children were rescued during the operation.
The children, aged two, three, six and nine, were reportedly found in connection with the ongoing investigation.
The police also recovered sex toys and other items considered relevant to the case.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the arrest and rescue operation in a statement issued on Thursday.
Reacting to the incident on Friday, Nonye Soludo said children should be protected, loved and provided with a safe environment to grow.
She condemned any form of sexual exploitation or abuse involving children, stressing that society must not become indifferent to the suffering of vulnerable minors.
The Anambra First Lady, who founded the Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo initiative, said the state government remained opposed to violence, abuse and exploitation involving women and children.
She also expressed concern over the welfare of the four rescued children beyond their immediate safety.
Soludo commended the police and other individuals whose information and intervention reportedly helped secure the rescue of the children.
She called for a comprehensive and professional investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged abuse and determine whether other individuals were involved.
The First Lady further urged authorities to ensure that anyone found culpable faces the full weight of the law.
Soludo said rescuing the children was only the first step, stressing that their emotional and psychological wellbeing must also receive attention.
She said she would remain in contact with relevant authorities and engage government agencies on ways to provide the children with medical, psychological, social and rehabilitation support.
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According to her, the children would require sustained care as they begin the process of recovering from the alleged abuse.
The Anambra First Lady also called on parents, guardians, neighbours and community members to remain alert to signs of child abuse.
She urged members of the public to report situations that could threaten the safety, dignity or wellbeing of children.
Soludo stressed that silence should not be an option where the protection of a child is concerned.
She reaffirmed the commitment of the Anambra State Government to protecting women and children from violence, abuse and exploitation.
