The Anambra State government says it apprehended a couple who starved their five-year-old daughter over allegations of witchcraft.

Ify Obinabo, the state’s Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, told journalists on Thursday that the couple were apprehended in Adazi-Ani, Anaocha Local Government Area of the state.

Ms Obinabo said she intervened in the case following reports from the transition committee chairman of Anaocha LGA, Gerald Ozoh, and the state coordinator of Ladies of Good Governance, Chinwe Uba.

She said the minor was currently receiving treatment at the hospital. The commissioner added that the parents would be handed over to the police.

On her part, the mother of the girl, Blessing Wosu, 23, from Akwa Ibom, said she was obeying her pastor, who said her five-year-old daughter was a witch and did not deserve to live.

“It is our pastor who gave us a prophecy that she is a witch and does not deserve to live. We were told that she was responsible for her father’s downfall in business.

“I also make her sleep on a plank due to her constant pooing and peeing on her body,” she said.

Meanwhile, the husband, Michael Wosu, 47, from Rivers State, denied knowing of the ill-treatment meted out to the child. 

(NAN)