● Police rescue girl after viral video shows knife attack in Umuahia
A 35-year-old woman is in police custody in Abia State for allegedly attempting to kill her 12-year-old house help over a missed domestic chore.
The suspect, identified as Mrs. Nwoko Gift, was arrested after a viral video showing her allegedly attacking the girl with a knife circulated on social media.
The incident was confirmed in a statement by DSP Maureen Chinaka, spokesperson of the Abia State Police Command.
—Attack over laundry—
According to the police, the incident occurred on July 5, 2026, at the suspect’s residence in IBB Housing Estate, Umuahia.
Nwoko Gift, who hails from Ehime Mbano, allegedly attacked the victim, Miss Ebony Chimamanda, after the girl reportedly failed to spread clothes before the woman left for the market.
“Preliminary investigations revealed that the victim had allegedly been subjected to repeated physical abuse and death threats while living with the suspect,”* Chinaka said.
—How police intervened—
Acting on intelligence and the viral video, officers from the World Bank Divisional Police Headquarters in Umuahia moved swiftly to the scene.
They rescued the 12-year-old, arrested the suspect, and recovered the knife allegedly used in the attack.
The case has since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, for further investigation. Police said the suspect will be charged with attempted murder at the conclusion of investigations.
—Police condemn abuse—
Condemning the act, the Command urged residents to reject all forms of violence and child abuse.
“We encourage members of the public to promptly report similar incidents to law enforcement authorities for immediate action,” Chinaka added.
Child rights advocates in Umuahia have called for Ebony to receive medical and psychological support, while also demanding stiffer penalties for employers who abuse domestic workers.
