Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has awarded a full educational scholarship to 13-year-old Ukamaka Okonkwo, who was recently rescued from a suspected ritualist and kidnapper’s hideout in Ndiagu Umumba, Ezeagu Local Government Area. The perpetrator, identified as Obi-Levi Obieze, was linked to the gruesome crimes uncovered at the location.
The Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs, and Social Development, Ngozi Enih, made the announcement in a statement released in Enugu on Sunday. She revealed that the scholarship will cover Ukamaka’s education from her current level through to university.
To aid in her recovery, the state government has also relocated the girl to a government facility where she will undergo therapy and rehabilitation. The commissioner emphasized that the move is aimed at helping her heal from the traumatic experience and reintegrate into society.
Enih said she personally visited the girl’s family in Ndiagu Umumba before taking her to Enugu for care and support. She assured the family that they are not alone and that the government is committed to restoring hope in the wake of the tragedy.
As part of the state’s response, the commissioner also led a government delegation to Agba Umana in the same council area to sympathize with the grieving parents of the late Chimaobi Ezih, another victim of the incident.
She added that authorities are still working to identify a pregnant woman whose body was also discovered in the dungeon, noting that efforts are ongoing to trace her relatives.
Enih reiterated the state government’s zero tolerance for crime, stating that the building linked to the criminal activities has already been demolished in accordance with Enugu State laws. She assured the public that security agencies are pursuing remaining suspects and that justice will be served to bring closure to the victims and their families.
