Ike Nnachi, Abakaliki
Three young men who battered and brutalised a widow in Ebonyi leading to her being hospitalised have been arrested on the orders of Ebonyi State Governor’s wife, Mrs Uzoamaka Ogbonna Nwifuru.
It was gathered that the widow, Oluchi Onwe, was severely beaten by the young men because her goat allegedly ate the cassava stem of the three men.
On receiving the report, Mrs Nwifuru directed the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Felicia Nwakpuma, to visit the local government where the incident occurred to confirm and ensure that the matter is properly handled.
Mrs Nwakpuma in the company of the Ohaukwu Local Government Area Chairman, Ikechukwu Odono, visited the area and confirmed that the widow has been hospitalised.
The three young men were promptly arrested on the orders of the Commissioner and Council Chairman while investigation is ongoing.
Mrs Nwifuru while receiving a preliminary report of the incident in her office on Wednesday reiterated her commitment to ensuring that the rights of Ebonyi women are protected at all times.
Mrs Nwifuru appreciated the efforts of Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development and the Ohaukwu LGA chairman for their efforts in handling the incident.
She vowed to follow up the matter to ensure justice is done and warned that her office will not tolerate any form of abuse against Ebonyi women.
She directed the Commissioner to start a sensitisation programme to create awareness on the need to stop injustice against women in the state.
A statement by her Chief Press Secretary, Nnenna Oshibe, noted that Mrs Nwifuru also appealed to Ebonyi residents to always report any form of violence to the appropriate quarters.
The Governor’s wife also sent some items to the widow who was elated and appreciated Mrs Nwifuru for alleviating her plight and coming to her aid.
