Posted by By PETRUS OBI, Abakaliki on
An housemaid in Ebonyi State almost lost a pound of flesh after she was accused of stealing meat from a pot of soup.
An housemaid in Ebonyi State almost lost a pound of flesh after she was accused of stealing meat from a pot of soup. Chinasa Ochubule was hit with a rod, laid on the table and flogged with cable, leaving serious marks on her body.
She wept profusely as she narrated her ordeal to the wife of Ebonyi State governor, Mrs. Eunice Ukamaka Egwu.
Chinasa said the beating had been regular in the recent past, and denied ever-stealing meat or fish from the pot of her guardian who allegedly dealt with her.
When asked by the Governors' wife if she would go back to her Aunty, Mrs. Nwoye, Chinaza said she was afraid and would rather stay with the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Comfort Ali.
Defending herself, Chinasa's guardian, Mrs. Helen Nwoye who hails from Enugu Abor Utuma in Orumba North local government area, and married to Mr. Peter Nwoye, a mechanic complained that little Chinaza was always stealing meat from the pot.
Mrs. Hellen Nwoye allegedly admitted that the child was brutalised, stating that her husband went too far in the beating.
She went on her knees begging, and appealed for leniency, promising to do everything possible to mend her ways.
The governor's wife said that Mr. and Mrs. Peter Nwoye would be prosecuted for the offence.
She warned housewives and their husbands who maltreat their maids and houseboys to be ready to face prosecution.
The Ebonyi first lady said her office would go extra mile to stop child abuse in the state and warned those who maltreat their maids to have a re- think.
She frowned at the attitude of some parents who still give out their children as maids when the state government has provided opportunities for such children to receive education at no cost.
Mrs. Egwu thanked the women who called her attention to the plight of little Chinaza.
She promised to relocate the girl to the house of the permanent secretary, women affairs, stressing that every child has equal status and the child's rights should not be infringed upon.
Mrs. Egwu also promised to give little Chinaza a sense of belonging by sending her to school and providing for all her needs.