The Enugu State Government has relocated Miss Ukamaka Okonkwo, the young girl recently rescued from the alleged ritualist den of one Obi Levi Obieze in Ndiagu Umumba, Ezeagu Local Government Area, to a government rehabilitation facility in Enugu.
According to the Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs, and Social Development, Mrs. Ngozi Enih, the move was made on Sunday on the directive of Governor Peter Mbah, who was deeply concerned about the psychological trauma the girl had endured.
“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,” Mrs. Enih stated.
She revealed that the state government would provide comprehensive therapy and support to help the girl reintegrate into society, under the supervision of the Ministry of Children, Gender Affairs, and Social Development.
“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,” Enih explained.
In a show of commitment to the girl’s future, Governor Mbah also awarded her an educational scholarship.
“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. Government wants to ensure that she fulfils her glorious destiny because this is a destined child,” the commissioner said.
The government delegation also visited the grieving parents of Chimaobi Ezih, a boy who was found dead in the same dungeon. The visit was meant to express condolences and offer moral support.
“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,” Enih noted.
Meanwhile, authorities are working to identify a pregnant woman who was also found dead in the same location, as her identity remains unknown. Mrs. Enih assured the public that the government and security agencies are pursuing justice.
“She assured that the government and the relevant security were working on it, maintaining that all the culprits would be brought to book.
“As you are well aware, this is a government that has zero tolerance for crime. 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.
Joining the government’s visit to the families were Hon. Nkiru Ugwuagu, Deputy Chairman of Ezeagu Local Government Council, and Mrs. Clementina Ogbu, Head of the Child Department in the Ministry of Children, Gender Affairs, and Social Development.
