The Anambra State Government has moved to enforce accountability following the arrest of a woman accused of inflicting severe burns on her teenage ward in Anaocha Local Government Area of the state.

Authorities say the suspect, Mrs Osinachi Edeh, was taken into custody after teachers at Community Secondary School, Agulu, discovered burn injuries on the body of a Junior Secondary School Three student, Miss Amah Miracle.

According to education officials, the matter was escalated on Thursday when the student disclosed that her guardian had allegedly used a hot pressing iron on her after accusing her of speaking to a boyfriend.

The Commissioner for Education, Professor Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, personally intervened after receiving reports from the school, leading to the immediate arrest of the guardian and the commencement of official investigations.

The student reportedly told her teachers that she had used her guardian’s phone to call a cousin, but was accused of inappropriate conduct after the conversation was overheard, an allegation authorities say does not justify violence.

Medical assessments showed burns on the student’s face, chest, arms and laps, prompting officials to describe the incident as a serious violation of child protection laws and a matter requiring firm legal response.

Professor Chuma-Udeh, according to government sources, insisted that the case would be pursued to its logical conclusion, stressing that no individual would be shielded from the law if found culpable.

The state government has reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding children, saying the arrest reflects a broader policy under the current administration to ensure that abuse cases are promptly addressed through lawful and institutional channels.