Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Abia State Police Command has arrested a 35-year-old woman, Mrs Nwoko Gift, for allegedly attempting to kill her 12-year-old house help, Miss Ebony Chimamanda, with a knife at the IBB Housing Estate in Umuahia. The arrest followed the circulation of a disturbing viral video on social media showing the woman attacking the young girl with a kitchen knife while the terrified victim cried out for help, sparking widespread public outrage and condemnation.
In a statement issued on Monday, 6 July 2026, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Abia State Command, DSP Maureen Chinaka, confirmed that the incident occurred on Sunday, 5 July 2026. According to preliminary investigations, the suspect, who is from Ehime Mbano in Imo State but resides at the IBB Housing Estate in Umuahia, attacked the victim after she allegedly refused to spread clothes she was instructed to lay out before the suspect left for the market. The police further revealed that investigations showed the suspect had repeatedly beaten and threatened to kill the young girl prior to the knife attack.
Operatives from the World Bank Divisional Police Headquarters in Umuahia raced to the scene after receiving actionable intelligence, rescued the victim, apprehended the suspect, and recovered the knife used in the attack. The victim, identified as Miss Ebony Chimamanda, was said to be an aunt to the 12-year-old girl, who had been living with her. The police confirmed that the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation, and that the suspect will be charged with attempted murder upon the conclusion of the investigation.
The viral video, which surfaced online on Monday, showed the woman brandishing a knife and threatening the young girl, who was seen crying and pleading for help while shielding her throat. The footage triggered a wave of public outrage, with many Nigerians calling for urgent investigation and justice. Social media users condemned the act as barbaric and called for the full weight of the law to be brought against the suspect. Some commentators also raised concerns about the systemic abuse of child domestic workers in Nigeria, calling for stronger protections and enforcement of child rights laws.
The Abia State Police Command condemned the actions of the suspect in the strongest terms and advised members of the public to desist from such acts. The command urged anyone who engages in such violent conduct to be reported to the police, and encouraged residents to promptly report all forms of domestic violence and child abuse to law enforcement authorities. "The command condemns such actions for whatever reasons and advises members of the public to desist from such acts, and to report any such incidents to the nearest police station. Together we can keep Abia safe," the PPRO said.
The arrest has been welcomed by human rights advocates and child protection organisations, who have called for stricter enforcement of laws protecting children from domestic abuse. The incident has also reignited calls for a state of emergency on child abuse, with some commentators describing the attack as an attempted murder that must not be treated lightly. As the investigation continues, the suspect remains in police custody, and the victim is receiving medical attention and support. The case is expected to proceed to court once the investigation is concluded, with the suspect facing a charge of attempted murder.
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