Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has offered a full scholarship to 13-year-old Ukamaka Okonkwo, who was recently rescued from a suspected ritualist’s den in Ndiagu Umumba, Ezeagu Local Government Area of the state.
The announcement was made by the Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs, and Social Development, Mrs Ngozi Enih, in a statement released on Sunday.
Ukamaka was found alive in the home of a suspected ritualist and kidnapper, Obi-Levi Obieze, where two other victims – a young boy, Chimaobi Ezih, and an unidentified pregnant woman – were discovered dead.
Speaking about the rescue and the government’s response, Commissioner Enih said Ukamaka would be sponsored through her education from her current class up to university level under a special government scholarship package.
“She has been moved to a government facility in Enugu where she will receive professional therapy and care to help her recover from the trauma she experienced,” Enih said.
The commissioner, who led a delegation to meet Ukamaka’s parents in their village, stressed that the state government is committed to ensuring the girl is fully rehabilitated and reintegrated into society.
“You can imagine the level of trauma this young girl must have gone through. The government wants to make sure she recovers and fulfils her destiny,” Enih said.
The delegation also visited the grieving family of Chimaobi Ezih, the young boy who was not so lucky. Enih expressed the government’s condolences and reassured them that justice would be served.
On the unidentified pregnant woman also found dead in the dungeon, the commissioner said efforts were ongoing to trace her family and identify her.
Enih assured that the government, in collaboration with security agencies, is working to ensure all suspects still at large are arrested and prosecuted.
“As you are well aware, this is a government with zero tolerance for crime,” she said. “The building where the crimes were committed has already been demolished in accordance with Enugu State law.”
She added that the state is determined to rid its communities of evil acts and restore public confidence in safety and justice.
