‘Her Cries Touched Me Deeply’ — Joe Igbokwe Appeals for Mercy for Woman Who Abu$ed 10-Year-Old Boy

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Joe Igbokwe, has appealed to Nigerians to show compassion toward a woman accused of severely maltreating a 10-year-old boy placed in her care.

The appeal comes amid widespread outrage over allegations against Mrs. Chisom Chukwuyere, whose arrest sparked intense reactions across social media and beyond.

The controversy intensified after a video surfaced online on Thursday showing the suspect in tears as officials of the Anambra State Ministry of Women Affairs took custody of her infant child following her arrest and detention by the police.

The emotional scene attracted mixed reactions from Nigerians. While many welcomed the intervention by authorities and viewed it as a necessary step to protect vulnerable children, others expressed sympathy for the woman after witnessing her distress over being separated from her baby.

Reacting to the development, Igbokwe acknowledged the seriousness of the allegations against the woman but urged Nigerians not to abandon compassion entirely.

According to him, the painful consequences she is currently facing may have already served as a harsh lesson.

“Despite the despicable behaviour of this woman, I plead for forgiveness because of her child. She has learnt her lessons in the hardest way,” he stated.

The APC stalwart said the woman’s emotional breakdown moved him deeply, adding that her cries touched him profoundly.

He also expressed optimism about the future of the young boy who was allegedly subjected to abuse, stating that the child would recover from the ordeal and go on to achieve great things in life.

“The boy she maltreated will be fine, and he will be a great man and a wonderful person,” Igbokwe said.

He further called on Nigerians to temper justice with mercy and consider the welfare of the woman’s infant daughter, who has now been placed under protective care.

“Let Nigerians join me to plead for this woman and her daughter,” he added.

Igbokwe also questioned the absence of the woman’s husband amid the unfolding controversy, suggesting that he should step forward and support his family during the difficult period.

“By the way, where is her husband? He should show face at a time like this for his family,” he remarked.

The case has continued to generate widespread public attention, with child rights advocates insisting that allegations of abuse must be thoroughly investigated and addressed through due process, while others debate whether the suspect should be granted leniency if found remorseful.

Authorities in Anambra State have yet to conclude investigations into the matter, while the welfare of both the alleged victim and the suspect’s infant child remains a subject of public concern.