…Victim Accused Of Killing Husband, Detained With Corpse In Ambulance
…Uzodimma Condemns Act, Calls It Barbaric, Cruel
..Women Affairs Ministry Arrests Suspects, Launches Investigation
Daud Olatunji
A shocking incident in Awo-Omamma, Oru East Local Government Area of Imo State, has triggered public outrage after a widow was reportedly forced by her in-laws to drink water used in bathing her late husband’s corpse as part of a barbaric widowhood ritual.
The victim, Mrs. Chika Ndubuisi, was accused of killing her husband, Mr. Odinakachi Ndubuisi, and was allegedly detained inside an ambulance containing his corpse. Her in-laws reportedly attempted to compel her to drink the “corpse water” to prove her innocence.
However, the horrific act was foiled following a swift intervention by the Imo State Ministry of Women Affairs and Vulnerable Groups, working with the Chairman of Oru East Local Government Area and security agencies.
The rescue followed a timely alert from several women advocacy groups, including the Onurube Coalition, Virgin Heart Foundation, and Harsco Global Media, who raised alarm over the attempted ritual.
Confirming the incident, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Vulnerable Groups, Chief (Mrs.) Nkechi Ugwu, said the ministry’s prompt action not only rescued the widow and her children but also led to the arrest of those responsible for the act.
“Our immediate intervention rescued the widow and her children and ensured that those involved were taken into custody,” Ugwu said. “Normalcy has since been restored in the community, while we have commenced a detailed investigation to ensure that all culprits are identified and brought to justice.”
She added that the ministry had commenced a full-scale investigation into the incident, assuring that justice would be served without compromise.
“This administration has zero tolerance for dehumanising widowhood practices,” she emphasized. “We will not allow any tradition or cultural practice that violates the dignity and rights of women to thrive in Imo State.”
In his reaction, Governor Hope Uzodimma in a statement posted on the official Facebook page, condemned the act in the strongest terms, describing it as “barbaric, cruel, and completely unacceptable in a civilized society.”
Speaking through Chief Ugwu, the governor ordered a comprehensive probe into the incident, stressing that his administration remained committed to protecting the rights of widows and vulnerable groups in the state.
“Such acts are contrary to the laws and moral values of Imo State,” Uzodimma stated. “We will ensure that everyone involved faces the full weight of the law. My administration will not stand by and watch any citizen, especially women, be subjected to humiliation or torture in the name of culture.”
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Women Affairs confirmed that Mrs. Ndubuisi and her children have been placed under government protection to guarantee their safety and psychological well-being.
“The safety of the victim and her children is paramount,” Ugwu said. “They are currently under government care while investigations continue.”
The incident has sparked widespread condemnation from civil society groups, women’s rights advocates, and community leaders, many of whom have called for stronger enforcement of laws against harmful traditional practices.
Human rights activists described the act as a “gross violation of human dignity,” urging the government to intensify public enlightenment campaigns to eradicate such customs from Imo communities.
“No woman should ever be subjected to this kind of humiliation again,” said a member of the Virgin Heart Foundation. “We commend the quick intervention of the government, but we demand justice and stricter penalties for perpetrators.”
As investigations continue, the Imo State Government has reaffirmed its resolve to eradicate all forms of gender-based violence and ensure that no cultural practice undermines the sanctity of human life and dignity in the state.
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