Soludo’s wife orders specialised care for 10-year-old scalded by caregiver, insists on prosecution

Wife of the Governor of Anambra State, Nonye Soludo, has directed the state Commissioner for Health to provide specialised medical care for a 10-year-old boy whose body was allegedly scalded by his caregiver, Mrs Chisom Chukwunyere.

The boy reportedly suffered severe burns after melted plastic was allegedly poured on his body by Mrs Chisom, over an offence that is yet to be disclosed.

Residents of Awada, Obosi, near Onitsha, where the woman and her family reside, reportedly rescued the boy after seeing him in pain. They also arrested the woman and handed her, along with her husband, Chukwudi Chukwunyere, over to the police.

Reacting to the incident, Mrs Soludo said:

“I am deeply saddened and disturbed by the horrific abuse allegedly suffered by the 10-year-old boy in the hands of his guardians in Awada, Obosi. No child, whatever their offence, deserves to endure such cruelty, and as a mother, I find the images and reports from the incident deeply troubling.

“I have requested that all those connected to this heinous act be brought to justice, including the arrest of the suspect’s husband to answer for a crime that occurred under his roof.

“Those responsible must face the full weight of the law. Anambra State, under this administration, maintains zero tolerance for any form of abuse against children and women, and I will personally follow up on this case to ensure that justice is served.

“We must all remain vigilant and speak up whenever we witness abuse because every child deserves protection, dignity, and love. I sincerely thank everyone who spoke up and brought this heinous act to light.

“Following this development, I have spoken with the Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, and appealed that the child be moved from his current hospital to a more suitable medical facility where he can receive optimum treatment, specialised care, and every support necessary for his recovery.

“I have also pledged to take full responsibility for his rehabilitation and ensure that he is given every opportunity to heal physically, emotionally, and psychologically,” she said in a statement.

The arrested couple remain in police custody. The spokesperson of the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said investigations are ongoing and that prosecution will follow upon their conclusion.