A 35-year-old woman has been arrested by the Abia State Police Command for allegedly attempting to kill her 12-year-old niece with a kitchen knife at the IBB Housing Estate in Umuahia.
The incident occurred on Sunday, July 5, 2026, and was confirmed by the police on Monday, July 6, 2026, following the circulation of a viral video showing the suspect allegedly attacking the child.
Police identified the suspect as Gift Nwoko, a native of Ehime-Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State, while the victim was identified as Chimamanda Ebo, who had been living with her aunt in Umuahia.
According to the Abia State Police Command, preliminary investigations revealed that the attack allegedly stemmed from the girl’s failure to spread clothes outside to dry before Nwoko left for the market.
The incident drew public outrage after a video shared on social media showed the suspect holding a kitchen knife while pinning the child to the ground as the frightened girl repeatedly cried, “Aunty no,” before a bystander intervened and wrestled the weapon away.
Neighbours were also seen gathering at the scene.
Police Public Relations Officer Maureen Chinaka said officers attached to the World Bank Divisional Police Headquarters responded promptly after receiving actionable intelligence.
“Operatives from the World Bank Divisional Police Headquarters, Umuahia, raced to the scene leveraging on actionable intelligence, rescued the victim, apprehended the suspect, and recovered the exhibit knife,” Chinaka said.
She disclosed that investigators uncovered evidence suggesting the child had allegedly endured repeated abuse before the latest incident.
“Investigation also revealed that the suspect has repeatedly beaten and has been threatening to kill young Chimamanda,” she said.
The police spokesperson said the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation.
“Investigation is ongoing, as the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), and the suspect will be charged for attempted murder upon conclusion of investigation,” Chinaka added.
The command condemned the alleged attack, stressing that no form of child abuse or domestic violence would be tolerated.
“The Command condemns such actions for whatever reasons and advises members of the public to desist from such act, as well as to report any such incidents to the nearest police station,” the statement said.
The police urged residents to promptly report cases of child abuse and domestic violence, assuring the public that offenders would be brought to justice in accordance with the law.