13-Year-Old Girl Rescued from Ritualist Pit Enters Rehabilitation, Awarded Scholarship

The Enugu State Government has confirmed that the 13-year-old girl rescued from an alleged ritualist’s sewage pit in Ezeagu Local Government Area has been relocated to a rehabilitation centre and granted a full educational scholarship.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs, and Social Development, Ngozi Enih, revealed that the girl was moved to Enugu Urban to begin therapy, following directives from Governor Peter Mbah.

“You can imagine the level of trauma this young girl must have passed through. So, the government wants to ensure that she bounces back fully in the shortest possible time,” Enih said.

The girl, Ukamaka Okonkwo, was reportedly rescued last Monday after being pushed into a sewage pit by a self-proclaimed native doctor, Levi Onyeka Obieze, also known as Ozo Ezeani or E dey play E dey show. Authorities believe multiple victims, including a pregnant woman, were buried in the same pit.

Obieze was arrested on Wednesday by officials of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) while attempting to flee the country through the Badagry-Seme border in Lagos. He has since been handed over to the police for further investigation and prosecution.

Commissioner Enih stated that beyond medical and psychological support, the state has committed to sponsoring Ukamaka’s education up to the university level.

“This is just a way of reassuring her and her parents that they are not alone… Government wants to ensure she fulfils her glorious destiny,” she added.

The government also extended condolences to the family of Chimaobi Ezih, another victim whose remains were discovered in the same pit. A delegation visited his parents in Agba Umana, a neighbouring community in the council area.

Authorities are still working to identify the deceased pregnant woman also found at the scene.

Enih assured that the government is collaborating with security agencies to track and bring all accomplices involved in the ritual killings to justice.

“That is the only way to appease the spirits and souls of the deceased and to get our society rid of such crimes,” she said.