The Enugu State Government said it has detained for prosecution, Sunday Echegi, who allegedly chopped off wife’s left hand,  Chinonso Echegi, in the Nsukka area of the state.

The state Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs and Social Development, Mgozi Enih, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday in Enugu.

Ms Enih’s statement highlighted Governor Peter Mbah’s administration’s commitment to combating domestic and gender-based violence in Enugu State.

“This zero-tolerance stance is part of the administration’s broader efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents, particularly vulnerable populations,” she said.

Ms Enih said the governor’s action demonstrated a strong resolve to address the issues head-on.

She said, “This move not only provides support to the victim but also sends a strong message that such behaviour will not be tolerated.”

Recall that Echegi’s alleged brutal act surfaced on social media on January 26.

Enih said that Echegi, who hails from Ibagwa Ani in the Nsukka Local Government Area, allegedly chopped off his wife’s hand following a quarrel.

She said, “This is yet another sad development, which we are following up to ensure that justice is done. The information we have is that the man in question aimed for the wife’s head during a disagreement, but ended up chopping off the left hand with which she tried to fend off the machete. She also sustained injury on the right hand. So, we swung into action immediately we got the information and had him arrested immediately and he is now in police custody.’’

The commissioner emphasised that the top priority at the moment was to save the victim’s life and ensure she received the necessary medical attention.

Ms Enih said, “So, we have moved her to the Enugu State University Teaching Hospital, Parklane, where she is currently receiving full medical attention. Meanwhile, this is a case the government is taking very seriously. The wife of the governor, Mrs Nkechinyere Mbah, is personally on this matter and has vowed that justice must be served. The suspect will be moved to the Police Force Criminal Investigation Department, Enugu today for a thorough investigation. From there, the law will take its full course. The Enugu State Government is taking a strong stance against domestic and Gender-Based Violence (GBV), as well as child abuse. Residents are warned to refrain from such acts, as the current administration will not tolerate them. This move aims to protect vulnerable individuals, especially women and children, from harm,” she added.

The Mbah administration has taken a strong stance against gender-based violence and child abuse since taking office.

This is evident in the numerous arrests, investigations, and ongoing trials for various offenses related to GBV and child abuse.

The administration’s efforts are part of a broader movement to combat GBV and child abuse, which are pervasive issues affecting many communities.

(NAN)