The Enugu State Government has relocated Miss Ukamaka Okonkwo—the girl rescued from the hideout of alleged ritualist and kidnapper, Obi Levi Obieze, in Ndiagu Umumba, Ezeagu Local Government Area—to a state facility in Enugu for therapy and rehabilitation.
Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs, and Social Development, Mrs. Ngozi Enih, disclosed this on Sunday, noting that the intervention followed a directive from Governor Peter Mbah, given the psychological trauma the young girl must have experienced.
Mrs. Enih further revealed that the governor has awarded Miss Okonkwo a full scholarship that will cover her education from her current level through to university.
“We travelled to Ndiagu Umumba, Ezeagu LGA, today at the governor’s instance to meet with parents of Ukamaka, and to bring her to Enugu where she will undergo the necessary therapy and be fully rehabilitated. You can imagine the level of trauma this young girl must have passed through,” Enih said.
So, the government wants to ensure that she bounces back fully in the shortest possible time. Therefore, the Ministry of Children, Gender Affairs and Social Development will be responsible for providing therapies and counselling to her before reintegrating her back into the society.”
The Governor has also graciously awarded a scholarship to her, which is to see her through university education from her current class. This is just a way of reassuring her and her parents that they are not alone and to equally put smiles on their faces. The government wants to ensure that she fulfils her glorious destiny because this is a destined child.”
In addition to Ukamaka’s rescue, the commissioner stated that a government delegation also visited Mr. Theophilus Ezih and Mrs. Chinenye Ezih, parents of the late Chimaobi Ezih, commiserate with them over the tragic death of their son in the same incident.
“In addition, a government delegation visited Mr. Theophilus Ezih and Mrs. Chinenye Ezih, parents of the deceased boy, Chimaobi Ezih, at Agba Umana in Ezeagu LGA to commiserate with them over the unfortunate incident. We share their pains,” she stated.
Regarding the pregnant woman found dead at the scene, Enih explained that her identity has yet to be established in order to locate her family. She assured that the government, in collaboration with security agencies, is actively working to identify her and ensure justice is served.
“As you are well aware, this is a government that has zero tolerance for crime. The government has already demolished the property linked to these dastardly acts in line with extant laws of Enugu State.”
“The police and other security agencies are working with the government to track down and bring back those still at large to face justice. That is the only way to appease the spirits and souls of the deceased and to get our society rid of such crimes,” she concluded.
Also part of the state delegation to the affected families were the Deputy Chairman of Ezeagu Local Government Council, Hon. Nkiru Ugwuagu, and the Head of the Child Department at the Ministry of Children, Gender Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Clementina Ogbu.
