Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, has reacted to the shocking case of a widow who was subjected to abuse by her in-laws during her husband’s burial.
A viral video showed a widow crying after she was slapped and then locked up inside an ambulance carrying her husband’s corpse. Attempts were also reportedly made to force her to drink the water used to bathe the corpse as her in-laws accused her of k!lling her husband.
The incident, which occured in Isieke, Awo-Omamma in Imo State, sparked public outrage and caught the attention of the state governor.
Reacting, Governor Hope Uzodimma condemned the treatment and called for full investigation.
The statement from the governor, released via the official Facebook account of Imo State New Media, reads: “The Imo State Government has strongly condemned the attempted reintroduction of an inhuman widowhood practice in Awo-Omamma, Oru East Local Government Area, where a widow was reportedly coerced to partake in a barbaric ritual involving the drinking of water used to bathe her late husband’s corpse.
“His Excellency, Governor Hope Uzodimma, described the incident as ‘barbaric, cruel, and completely unacceptable in a civilized society.’
“The Governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Vulnerable Groups, Chief (Mrs.) Nkechi Ugwu, ordered an immediate and comprehensive investigation into the matter and assured that those responsible will face the full weight of the law.
“Preliminary reports indicate that Mrs. Chika Ndubuisi, widow of the late Mr. Odinakachi Ndubuisi, was accused by her in-laws of being responsible for her husband’s de@th and was unlawfully detained in an ambulance with the corpse.
“The family allegedly attempted to compel her to drink the ‘corpse water’ to prove her innocence.
“However, swift intervention by the Commissioner for Women Affairs, in collaboration with the Chairman of Oru East Local Government Area and security agencies, successfully halted the act. The intervention followed a timely alert from several women’s advocacy groups, including the Onurube Coalition, Virgin Heart Foundation, and Harsco Global Media.
“Chief Ugwu confirmed that the Ministry’s prompt action rescued the widow and her children and led to the arrest of those involved.
“She added that normalcy has since been restored in the community, while the Ministry of Women Affairs has commenced a detailed investigation to ensure that all culprits are identified and brought to justice.
“Governor Uzodimma reaffirmed his administration’s zero tolerance for dehumanising widowhood practices, emphasizing that such acts are contrary to the laws and moral values of Imo State.
“Meanwhile, Mrs. Ndubuisi and her children have been placed under government protection to ensure their safety and well-being.”
