By Praise Chinecherem
A middle-aged man has been arrested for allegedly pouring hot water on a two-year old baby boy in Umueji, Ufuma in Orumba North Local Government area of Anambra state.
The suspect, identified as Uche Chukwu and landlord to the victim’s parents reportedly abused the child over alleged stubbornness.
According to the victim’s parents, Mr Augustine and Mrs Chinenye Obi, the landlord’s action came to them as suprise as they had enjoyed cordial relationship with him for the three months they had lived in his apartment.
They lamented that apart from the violence act metted out on their child, the suspect evicted them from his house for confronting him over his actions.
Obi said, “We have never had any issues with the landlord. Infact, he usually plays with our child. That was why didn’t suspect any foul play when he took the baby for few days in his apartment.
“It was on the third day the incident happened that we started asking him what our baby did. He told us that the boy is too wise and stubborn for his age and needs iron hand to make him calm down.
“After carring out his devilish act, he evicted us from his house for challenging him. This is an apartment we moved into just three months ago.”
Reacting, Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Ify Obinabo confirmed the arrest, assuring that justice must be served.
She reiterated Prof Chukwuma Soludo-led administration’s zero tolerance for any form of violence, and was ready to protect both citizens and residents of the state.
“I thank those that informed me of the ugly incident. I promise to always deliver on my mandate.
“The suspect has been arrested and the case transferred to State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Awka, from where he will be charged,” she added.
