ABIA, Nigeria — Police have detained a 33-year-old man who allegedly attacked a 14-year-old girl with a machete after she refused his sexual advances in Obete Nchina Village, Ntighauzo community in Obingwa Local Government Area of Abia State, east of Nigeria.
Chinazum Nwaubani was taken into custody following the violent assault that left Felicia Anaba with severe injuries and temporarily unconscious, according to police reports. The incident has sparked concerns about sexual violence against minors in the region.
The attack occurred when Felicia and her male twin brother were collecting firewood in a bush near their village. According to Police Public Relations Officer DSP Maureen Chinaka, the suspect allegedly approached the twins armed with a machete, grabbed the female twin, and ordered her to lie down and remove her clothing.
“When she refused, the suspect allegedly attacked her with the machete, inflicting injuries on her head, back, and leg,” Chinaka confirmed in an official statement.
The girl’s twin brother managed to escape the attack and immediately alerted family members, who organized a search party. Rescuers found Felicia unconscious in a pool of blood with deep machete cuts to her head, leg, and hand.
Mr. Chijioke Anaba, father of the victim, described the traumatic discovery: “My daughter had fallen into coma when she was rescued by the search party in the bush. We took her to the hospital and lodged a report with the Police at the Eastern Ngwa Division.”
The case has been complicated by allegations from the victim’s father that police at Eastern Ngwa Division demanded ₦30,000 ($20 USD) to investigate the matter. He also expressed concern that authorities might release the suspect, who is from the same village as the victim’s family.
“The police should do their job because the boy is now a risk to the people in the village. The Police are saying he is a mad man but it’s not true,” Mr. Anaba stated. He further appealed to Priscilla Otti, wife of the Abia State Governor, for assistance with his daughter’s medical care, fearing she might suffer permanent disability from the attack.
The Abia State Police Command has firmly denied the allegations of soliciting money. DSP Chinaka addressed the claim, stating: “We have no such report, as no one has come forward with evidence. This is not a time when anyone can simply make unverified allegations. Anyone with credible evidence is kindly advised to report to the Complaint Response Unit for proper investigation.”
Authorities confirmed the suspect remains in custody while investigations continue. Police have not officially commented on claims regarding the suspect’s mental health status but have assured the public that justice will be served in the case.
The incident highlights ongoing concerns about sexual violence against minors in Nigeria, where advocacy groups have reported rising cases of assault against vulnerable children, particularly in rural communities with limited security presence.
Health officials familiar with similar cases note that victims of such attacks often require extensive physical and psychological treatment, with recovery periods extending months or years depending on the severity of injuries.
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