Anambra woman burns ward with hot iron after suspecting her of having a boyfriend, prompting government arrest and call for child protection

The Anambra State Government has arrested Mrs Osinachi Edeh, a guardian in Agulu, Anaocha Local Government Area, for allegedly burning her ward, Miss Amah Miracle, with a hot iron.

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The incident occurred on Wednesday, February 5, 2026, after the student, a Junior Secondary School 3 pupil at Community Secondary School, reportedly used her guardian’s phone to speak to a boyfriend.

Prof Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, Commissioner for Education, disclosed that the guardian inflicted burns on the student’s face, breasts, arms, and legs, leaving her in severe pain.

Teachers discovered the injuries and reported the case, prompting the government’s swift intervention.

The student admitted that the guardian overheard her phone conversation and accused her of keeping a boyfriend, an accusation that escalated from a slap to the use of the hot iron.

Prof Chuma-Udeh described the act as a grave violation of child protection laws and vowed that Mrs Edeh would face legal consequences if found guilty.

She said, “I swear on my honour, this woman will face the wrath of God and the justice of man if found guilty.”

The commissioner reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to safeguarding children, stressing that the safety of every child remains a top priority under Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration.