The First Lady of Ebonyi State, Mary-Maudline Nwifuru, has strongly condemned the abuse of two teenage girls in the Ojiegbe Ngbo community within the Ohaukwu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State. Expressing deep outrage and sorrow over the incident, the First Lady issued a statement through her Press Secretary, Mrs. Nnenna Oshibe, following the circulation of a disturbing video on social media. The video depicts two young girls being forcibly stripped and flogged by community youths as punishment for allegedly stealing two old hens.
Describing the actions as “deeply troubling” and a “grave violation of human dignity,” Mrs. Nwifuru underscored the fundamental right of every citizen in Ebonyi to live without fear, harm, or abuse. She stressed that such acts of violence and dehumanization are wholly unacceptable and will not be tolerated in any part of the state, especially against women and girls, who deserve greater protection and respect within their communities.
Mrs. Nwifuru affirmed that the current administration is fully committed to seeking justice for the victims. She applauded the swift actions of the Ebonyi State Police Command, led by Commissioner of Police Anthonia Uche-Anya, in apprehending key suspects in the case, identified as Dennis Ali and Ituma Sunday. The First Lady expressed her gratitude for the police’s prompt response and ongoing efforts to ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
In addition to seeking justice, Mrs. Nwifuru urged community leaders to ensure the victims receive appropriate care and support. She called on leaders across the state to remain vigilant and work to prevent future incidents of abuse within their communities. Her message emphasized the need for a united effort in protecting the welfare and dignity of young people and vulnerable individuals in Ebonyi.
The First Lady also reaffirmed her foundation’s commitment to supporting abuse survivors. Through her organization, Better Health for Rural Women and the Less Privileged (BERWO), Mrs. Nwifuru pledged to continue collaborating with other agencies and organizations to advocate for the welfare and protection of women and girls. She extended her sympathy to the affected families and promised that her office would stand firmly in support of gender-based violence survivors, underscoring her dedication to ensuring justice in this case.
Earlier, the Ebonyi State Police Command confirmed the arrest of two suspects involved in the assault, marking a significant step toward accountability in the fight against abuse in the state.
