In a swift response to a harrowing incident that shocked residents of Enugu State, Governor Peter Mbah has ordered the relocation of Miss Ukamaka Okonkwo, the young girl rescued from the hideout of an alleged ritualist and kidnapper, to a secure government facility in Enugu. The move, made for her safety and psychological recovery, also comes with a life-changing gesture—a full university scholarship.
Miss Okonkwo was discovered in the hideout of the suspected criminal, Obi Levi Obieze, in Ndiagu Umumba, Ezeagu Local Government Area (LGA), where she had been held in captivity. The Enugu State Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs, and Social Development, Mrs. Ngozi Enih, disclosed this development on Sunday.
“On the directive of Governor Peter Mbah, we visited Ndiagu Umumba to meet Ukamaka’s family and bring her to Enugu for therapy and rehabilitation. The trauma she endured is unimaginable, and the government is taking every necessary step to help her heal and reintegrate into society,” Mrs. Enih stated.
She further revealed that Governor Mbah has awarded Miss Okonkwo a comprehensive scholarship that will cover her education from her current level through to university graduation.
“This scholarship is not just a reward but a reassurance to Ukamaka and her family that they are not alone,” Enih added. “The government recognizes her as a child with a glorious destiny and is committed to ensuring she gets the support needed to fulfill it.”
The Ministry of Children, Gender Affairs, and Social Development will oversee Ukamaka’s therapy, counselling, and eventual reintegration.
In addition, a government delegation also paid a condolence visit to the grieving family of Chimaobi Ezih, the young boy who tragically lost his life in the same incident. Officials met with his parents, Mr. Theophilus Ezih and Mrs. Chinenye Ezih, in Agba Umana, Ezeagu LGA, to express sympathy and solidarity.
Meanwhile, efforts are ongoing to identify a pregnant woman who was found dead in the same dungeon. The government has assured that investigations are in progress to trace her relatives and bring all perpetrators of the crime to justice.
“This administration maintains a zero-tolerance stance on criminality,” Mrs. Enih emphasized. “The property linked to these heinous acts has already been demolished in line with Enugu State laws. The police and other security agencies are actively pursuing all individuals involved, including those still at large.”
The delegation to the affected families included the Deputy Chairman of Ezeagu LGA, Hon. Nkiru Ugwuagu, and Mrs. Clementina Ogbu, Head of the Child Department at the Ministry of Children, Gender Affairs, and Social Development.
Governor Mbah’s actions signal a strong commitment to justice, rehabilitation, and protection for the most vulnerable citizens of Enugu State.
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