Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, has awarded a full scholarship to 13-year-old Ukamaka Okonkwo, who was recently rescued from the hideout of an alleged ritualist and kidnapper, Obi-Levi Obieze, in Ndiagu Umumba, Ezeagu Local Government Area.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Sunday by the Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs and Social Development, Ngozi Enih.
According to the commissioner, the scholarship will cover Ukamaka’s education from her current level through to university.
She has also been relocated to a government facility for trauma therapy and full rehabilitation.
“We visited her family in Ndiagu Umumba and have brought her to Enugu for care,” Enih said.
“The Ministry will oversee her therapy, counselling, and eventual reintegration into society.
This is part of the government’s commitment to help her heal and rebuild her life.”
Enih emphasized that the gesture was also a message of support to the girl and her family, assuring them they are not alone in their ordeal.
The commissioner added that the government delegation also visited the grieving parents of the late Chimaobi Ezih—Theophilus and Chinenye Ezih—at Agba Umana, also in Ezeagu, to express condolences over the tragic loss of their son.
“We share in their pain and visited to show the government’s solidarity with them during this difficult time,” she said.
Enih also revealed that efforts were underway to identify a pregnant woman whose body was found in the same dungeon.
Authorities are working to trace her family and provide closure.
“The government is committed to ensuring that justice is served.
The property connected to these horrific crimes has already been demolished in accordance with Enugu State laws,” she noted.
She further assured that security agencies, in collaboration with the state government, are actively pursuing suspects still at large.
“This administration has zero tolerance for crime.
Bringing all perpetrators to justice is the only way to honor the victims and make our communities safer,” Enih said.
