The heart-wrenching case of a 4-year-old girl who was allegedly defiled by a 56-year-old pastor in Anambra State has sparked widespread outrage. The First Lady of Anambra, Dr. Nonye Soludo, has vowed to see the case through to its legal conclusion, demanding the full prosecution of the accused, Pastor Emeka Mkama, who was arrested in January 2025.
The chilling incident, which took place in Obosi, Idemili North Local Government Area, reportedly occurred on December 24, 2024. However, the matter only came to light when the victim’s health deteriorated after being treated with herbal medicine. This delay in reporting the incident to authorities has raised serious concerns about the culture of silence surrounding domestic and sexual violence in the community.
Dr. Soludo, who is also the founder of the Healthy Living Initiative, expressed her unwavering commitment to ensuring that justice is served for the innocent child. Speaking to journalists after receiving official reports about the case, she said, “This is not just a case of defilement; it is an act of pure evil, and we must ensure that the perpetrator faces the full wrath of the law.”
The First Lady’s comments came after detailed briefings from the Anambra State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, and the Chairman of Idemili North Local Government Area, Chief Stanley Nwoka. They reported that the victim’s condition worsened after the alleged attack, with attempts to treat the child using traditional remedies failing to improve her health. It was only when medical intervention was sought that the true extent of the abuse became clear.
The troubling case has shaken the local community, with many residents expressing their disbelief that such a heinous act could be committed by someone in a position of religious trust. Pastor Emeka Mkama, who presides over the Jesus Build the Church Mission in Obosi, was immediately detained by local authorities after the incident was reported. The pastor has not yet issued a public statement regarding the allegations.
In a bid to ensure that justice is expedited, Dr. Soludo directed the Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Mrs. Ify Obinabo, to oversee the case. Mrs. Obinabo, a key figure in the state’s efforts to combat gender-based violence, has pledged her support in ensuring that all legal avenues are explored to bring the perpetrator to justice.
“The culture of silence must be broken,” Dr. Soludo emphasized during a recent meeting with state officials. “We cannot allow these crimes to continue unchecked, especially when the victims are the most vulnerable members of our society. It is crucial for every citizen to speak out when they witness such violence.” Her words resonate with a growing movement within Nigeria calling for stronger legal frameworks and better enforcement of laws regarding sexual violence and domestic abuse.
This case is not the first of its kind in Anambra State, where incidents of sexual violence, particularly against children, have been reported in recent years. However, Dr. Soludo’s intervention marks a strong public statement against the perpetrators of such crimes.
One of the key issues raised by the First Lady is the widespread reliance on herbal medicine to treat victims of sexual violence, particularly in rural communities. Reports indicate that the victim’s family initially sought traditional remedies after the child’s health began to deteriorate, delaying medical intervention that could have alleviated the severity of her condition. Dr. Soludo has called for greater awareness of the dangers of such practices, urging families to seek professional medical care in cases of abuse.
“The health and safety of our children must always come first,” she said. “No child should suffer in silence, and no perpetrator should go unpunished. It is time for a serious conversation about how we can change the way we address domestic and sexual violence in our society.”
Dr. Soludo also urged Anambra residents to work together to fight the culture of silence that often surrounds such crimes. “I am calling on the people of Anambra to join forces with the government, to report any form of abuse, and to hold those in positions of power accountable,” she said.
The victim, whose name is being withheld for legal and privacy reasons, is currently receiving medical treatment and psychological support. Health experts have expressed concerns about the long-term trauma that such abuse can cause, particularly at such a young age. “It is crucial that we provide the child with the necessary care and support to help her heal from the emotional and physical scars of this experience,” Dr. Obidike explained.
In the wake of the incident, community leaders in Obosi have also voiced their commitment to ending sexual violence. Chief Stanley Nwoka, the Chairman of Idemili North LGA, called for collective action, stating, “This is a sad and painful incident, and we must do everything in our power to ensure that it never happens again. We must protect our children and bring the perpetrators to justice.”
Pastor Mkama’s detention has sparked a wave of protests from local activists, who have called for a swift trial to ensure that justice is served. The case has also drawn attention from national child rights organizations, who are demanding stricter laws and better enforcement mechanisms to protect children from sexual violence.
“We will continue to monitor this case closely,” said Chinyere Okonkwo, a child rights advocate in Anambra. “This is a test case for the state’s commitment to ending child abuse, and we hope that the legal system will act quickly and decisively.”
As the investigation progresses, all eyes are on Anambra State, where the First Lady has taken a bold stance in ensuring that justice is delivered for the young victim. “No child should have to endure what this young girl has gone through,” Dr. Soludo said. “We must work together to make sure that such crimes are never repeated.”
