A teenage girl named Uchechi Ukoro was saved by the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Rivers State Branch after her guardian, Mrs. Benedicta Ezenibe, allegedly burned her with a hot knife in Rumuokwuta, Port Harcourt.
In a statement on November 10, 2025, Rachel C. Princewill, Publicity Secretary of FIDA Nigeria’s Rivers State Branch, confirmed the occurrence. She added that the adolescent revealed that her guardian had heated a kitchen knife and applied it to various places of her body after accusing her of chasing guys.
Princewill claims that police have detained the suspect and started looking into the event.
“On Monday, 10th November 2025, FIDA Rivers received a distress call about Miss Uchechi Ukoro, a young girl severely burned by her guardian, Mrs. Benedicta Ezenibe,” the statement read.
“The Vice-Chairperson, Dr. Vivian Akunesiobike, and Mrs. Nneoma Adiele reported the case to Kala Police Station, and with police support, rescued the victim from No. 7 Wogboroma Street, Rumuokwuta.“Uchechi disclosed that her guardian heated a kitchen knife and pressed it on her body, accusing her of “following boys,” and had also stopped her from going to school.“The police have begun investigations, and the victim is now in a safe home.“FIDA Rivers State Branch remains committed to following up on this matter until Miss Uchechi is safely reunited with her biological parents and justice is served.“This incident is a painful reminder of the urgent need to strengthen child protection mechanisms and promote public awareness against all forms of abuse. No child deserves to suffer such cruelty.”
