Crime

Group Criticizes Anambra Officials for Allegedly Assaulting Nursing Mother

Published by Tope Fakinlede on July 9th, 2024.

Group Criticizes Anambra Officials for Allegedly Assaulting Nursing Mother

A nursing mother of three, Mrs. Nkemakolam Nnamani, has reported being severely injured following an alleged assault by the Special Anti-Touting Squad (SASA) in Anambra State. The incident reportedly occurred when Mrs. Nnamani intervened to stop the squad from mistreating an elderly woman.

Mrs. Nnamani recounted that she was beaten with a pestle and publicly humiliated after she requested the squad members to show leniency towards the elderly woman. The altercation began while she was on a commercial bus bound for Asaba at Upper Iweka. She claims that one squad member dragged her out of the bus, and along with other members, they assaulted her using pestles, clubs, and a machete. She was subsequently taken to their camp and coerced into paying a large sum of money for her release.

Following the attack, Mrs. Nnamani sought medical attention at several orthopedic hospitals. Her condition worsened despite an initial visit from the squad members who provided her with N50,000 for medical expenses. However, they have not returned or offered further assistance.

Mrs. Nnamani’s injuries have progressively deteriorated, and she now faces the possibility of amputation. She has made a public appeal for financial support to continue her medical treatment and avoid losing her leg.

Describing the incident, Mrs. Nnamani said, “The assault took place at Upper Iweka near the Onitsha head bridge. I was beaten and humiliated by SASA operatives for intervening when they were assaulting an elderly woman. I was in a commercial bus preparing to depart when I saw the officials beating the woman with pestles. I pleaded with them to stop, but one member dragged me from the bus and began attacking me with a pestle.

“After the brutal assault, they took me to their camp, where I was forced to pay a large sum to regain my freedom, all while enduring further abuse and injuries. I was rushed to the hospital by onlookers and have since visited multiple orthopedic hospitals due to the severity of my injuries.”

She continued, “My injuries have worsened, and now doctors say my leg might need to be amputated. I cannot afford the medical costs. Although SASA members visited once and gave me N50,000, they have not returned, and my condition continues to deteriorate due to a lack of funds for treatment. I am in severe pain, unable to walk, and struggling to care for my four children. I appeal to Governor Chukwuma Soludo to assist me in this critical time.”