13-Year-Old Girl Rescued from Ritualist in Enugu Relocated for Rehabilitation, Awarded Full Scholarship
The Enugu State Government has taken swift action to support 13-year-old Ukamaka Okonkwo, who was recently rescued from a suspected ritualist. She has been moved to a rehabilitation centre where she will receive therapy and care to recover from the traumatic experience.
This was disclosed in a statement on Sunday by the State Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs, and Social Development, Ngozi Enih. According to Enih, Governor Peter Mbah directed that the girl be relocated to Enugu Urban to begin her recovery process immediately.
“You can imagine the level of trauma this young girl has endured,” Enih said. “The government is committed to ensuring she makes a full recovery as soon as possible.”
Ukamaka was rescued last Monday from a sewage pit in Umumba Ndiagu, Ezeagu Local Government Area, where she had been thrown by a native doctor, Levi Onyeka Obieze, for alleged ritual purposes. Sadly, other victims, including a pregnant woman and a young boy, were also found in the pit, but none survived.
Obieze, also known as Ozo Ezeani and by the alias “E dey play E dey show,” was apprehended by Nigeria Immigration Service officers on Wednesday at the Badagry-Seme border in Lagos while trying to escape. He has since been handed over to the police for prosecution.
In addition to providing therapy, Governor Mbah has awarded Ukamaka a full scholarship to support her education up to the university level. The gesture, according to Enih, is a sign of the government’s commitment to the girl’s future and well-being.
“The scholarship is meant to reassure Ukamaka and her family that they are not alone, and to help her pursue the bright future she deserves,” Enih added. “She is a child of destiny, and we are determined to support her every step of the way.”
The state government also extended condolences to the family of Chimaobi Ezih, a student who had been reported missing weeks earlier and was confirmed among the deceased victims. A delegation visited his family in Agba Umana community to offer support.
Enih noted that the identity of the pregnant woman found at the scene has not yet been established. She assured that investigations are ongoing and all individuals involved in the heinous crimes will be brought to justice.
“That is the only way to honour the memory of the victims and rid our society of such evil,” she concluded.
