Police arrest two for ‘stabbing newborn to death’ in Enugu

The Enugu police command says it has arrested two persons for their alleged involvement in the killing of a newborn in Awgu LGA of the state.

Daniel Ndukwe, police spokesperson in the state, announced the development in a statement on Friday.

Ndukwe said a 60-year-old woman, identified as Christiana Okonkwo, and Ada, her 18-year-old daughter, allegedly conspired to murder Ada’s newborn.

The police spokesperson said the incident occurred around 1pm on November 7 in Olocha-Adogba community.

According to Ndukwe, Christiana allegedly compelled her daughter to kill the newborn moments after she was delivered of the child at home.

The police spokesperson said Ahmed Ammani, commissioner of police in the state, has ordered the state criminal intelligence and investigation department (SCIID) to conduct an investigation into the incident.

“Preliminary investigation shows that the said mother of the newborn child used a kitchen knife to stab the child to death, following the counseling of her mother, moments after she was delivered of the baby at home,” the statement reads.

“The child was taken to the hospital and confirmed dead by the doctors on duty, while the corpse was deposited in the mortuary for preservation and autopsy.

“To this end, the Commissioner has called on citizens of the community, particularly the women who carried out a peaceful demonstration to express their disgust over the act, to maintain peace and avoid acts that could lead to the breakdown of law and order in the community.

“He urges them to be supportive, while reiterating that the case will be meticulously investigated and prosecuted within record time.”