Abia Police Arrest Woman Over Alleged Knife Attack on 12-Year-Old House Help

Abia Police Arrest Woman Over Alleged Knife Attack on 12-Year-Old House Help

A 35-year-old woman has been arrested by the Abia State Police Command for allegedly attempting to kill her 12-year-old house help during an incident in Umuahia.

The suspect, identified as Mrs. Nwoko Gift, is said to be from Ehime Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State but lives at IBB Housing Estate in Umuahia.

The incident came to public attention after a video circulating on social media showed the woman allegedly attacking the young girl, Miss Ebony Chimamanda, with a knife.

In a statement, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Maureen Chinaka, said the incident occurred on July 5, 2026.

Preliminary findings indicate that the suspect allegedly attacked the child following a disagreement over household chores after the girl reportedly failed to spread clothes before the woman went to the market.

Police also disclosed that investigations suggest the victim had allegedly suffered repeated physical abuse and threats from the suspect before the latest incident.

Officers from the World Bank Divisional Police Headquarters responded after receiving credible information, rescued the girl from further harm, arrested the suspect and recovered the knife allegedly used in the attack.

The matter has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for a comprehensive investigation.

According to the police, the suspect will be arraigned on a charge of attempted murder once investigations are completed.

The command urged members of the public to report cases of domestic violence, child abuse and other forms of violence to law enforcement agencies, stressing its commitment to protecting vulnerable persons and ensuring offenders are brought to justice.