The Abia State Police Command has arrested a man, identified as Chidi Stanley, for allegedly causing the death of his eight-year-old daughter, Chiamaka Stanley, during a domestic altercation in Obiohuru community.
The incident, which reportedly occurred during a heated confrontation between the suspect and his sister, Chinyere Stanley, was confirmed by the command’s spokesperson, DSP Maureen Chinaka, in a statement issued on Saturday.
According to the police, the suspect allegedly hurled a stone at his sister during the quarrel, but the object struck his daughter instead.
The child was rushed to a hospital, where a medical doctor later confirmed her dead.
The police further disclosed that the family allegedly attempted to conceal the incident by making arrangements for the child’s burial without notifying law enforcement authorities.
Chinaka explained that operatives attached to the Akwete Divisional Police Headquarters, acting on credible intelligence, stormed the community and demanded access to the deceased child’s body.
She said the officers also invited members of the family to the station for questioning, but were allegedly resisted by some relatives and youths in the area, who prevented police access and heightened tension in the community.
The spokesperson noted that the officers documented the scene, including a grave reportedly prepared for the burial, before withdrawing temporarily to avoid further escalation of violence.
She added that the case and the suspect had since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for a thorough investigation.
Chinaka also revealed that some aggrieved youths later attempted to attack police officers and vandalise the station despite repeated appeals for calm.
“The mob remained violent. Officers were compelled to defend themselves, protect police property, and prevent further breakdown of law and order,” she stated.