The Enugu State Government has taken custody of Miss Ukamaka Okonkwo, a young girl recently rescued from the hideout of an alleged ritualist and kidnapper, Obi Levi Obieze, in Ndiagu Umumba, Ezeagu Local Government Area.
The girl has been relocated to a government facility in Enugu for immediate therapy and rehabilitation, following directives from Governor Peter Mbah.
Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs, and Social Development, Mrs. Ngozi Enih, who led the government delegation on Sunday, said the move was part of the administration’s effort to ensure the complete recovery of the victim.
“We travelled to Ndiagu Umumba at the instance of the Governor to meet with Ukamaka’s parents and bring her to Enugu. Given the trauma she endured, the government is committed to helping her recover fully and reintegrate into society,” Enih stated.
She also announced that Governor Mbah had approved a full scholarship for Ukamaka, which will fund her education through to university level.
“This is to reassure her and her family that they are not alone. The Governor believes she deserves every chance to fulfill her destiny as a child who survived against the odds,” Enih added.
The Commissioner revealed that a government team also visited the family of Chimaobi Ezih, a boy who was killed in the same incident, to commiserate with his parents, Mr. Theophilus and Mrs. Chinenye Ezih, at Agba Umana, Ezeagu.
Efforts are ongoing to identify a pregnant woman who was also found dead in the dungeon. Authorities are working to trace her family.
Enih emphasized that the state has zero tolerance for criminal activities, noting that the suspect’s property had been demolished in accordance with state laws. She confirmed that security agencies are pursuing other suspects involved in the case.
“This administration is determined to ensure justice for the victims and to rid the state of such heinous crimes,” she affirmed.
Others on the delegation included Hon. Nkiru Ugwuagu, Deputy Chairman of Ezeagu Local Government Council, and Mrs. Clementina Ogbu, Head of the Child Department in the ministry.
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