The Abia State Police Command has arrested a 35-year-old woman captured in a viral social media video allegedly attempting to attack a 12-year-old girl with a kitchen knife in Umuahia.
The Command’s spokesperson, DSP Maureen Chioma Chinaka, said in a statement that the suspect, identified as Nwoko Gift, an indigene of Ehimembano in Imo State who resides at IBB Housing Estate, Umuahia, was apprehended following swift police intervention.
According to the police, preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect allegedly attempted to kill her 12-year-old niece, Miss Ebo Chimamanda, on July 5, 2026, after the child reportedly failed to spread clothes before the suspect left for the market.
The investigation further indicated that the victim, who lives with the suspect, had allegedly been subjected to repeated physical abuse and threats to her life prior to the incident.
Acting on actionable intelligence, operatives attached to the World Bank Divisional Police Headquarters, Umuahia, responded promptly to the scene, rescued the young girl, arrested the suspect, and recovered the kitchen knife allegedly used in the attack.
The police disclosed that the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation, while the suspect is expected to be charged with attempted murder upon the conclusion of the investigation.
Condemning the incident, the Abia State Police Command warned against all forms of violence and child abuse, urging members of the public to promptly report similar incidents to the nearest police station.
The Command reiterated its commitment to protecting vulnerable persons and ensuring that offenders are brought to justice.
