Wife of the Governor of Abia state, Deaconess Nkechi IKpeazu, has rescued a widow, Mrs Amarachi Okechi, who was arrested and detained by youths of Umueghu Amaegbuato Nkpa community in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State, over alleged witchcraft.
It was gathered that the youths of the community arrested the widow, tortured and held her hostage for several days following allegations that she was behind the death of her husband.
According to sources in the community, all appeals to the youths by the widow pleading her innocence fell on deaf ears as they meted out torture on her.
“The widow was crying that she was innocent of the allegation, but the more she pleaded for mercy, the harder the youths assaulted her. They tied her hands to the back, tied her legs and flogged her at the village square. Some of them were even filming her. They accused her of being a witch and killing her husband. Her family intervened to rescue her, but the youths also attacked them,” the sources said.
However, some stakeholders from the area contacted the office of the wife of the Governor who came to the rescue of the widow.
Chief Press Secretary to the wife of the Governor, Mr. Chika Ojiegbe , confirmed that the widow has been rescued and taken to an undisclosed hospital for medical attention.
“When the First Lady Nkechi Ikpeazu heard about it last night, she immediately swung into action to rescue the widow. In Abia, we have a robust mechanism for responding to cases of gender based violence put in place by the First Lady. No matter how severe a case is, it is treated individually according to its circumstances. Several stakeholders were involved in securing the widow alive which is the first action that needed to be taken.
“This has been done. Now the next stage will be to address the issues surrounding the matter. The law enforcement agencies have been duly notified and have commenced appropriate investigations.”
“The allegations of witchcraft are strange to the laws of the land. What is known to law is that no one can take laws into their hands to execute jungle justice. The law will take its course. The case will be closely monitored. The First Lady is picking up the hospital bills of the widow as treatment has commenced in earnest at the hospital. The GBV Resource Centre in Umuahia who were part of the rescue is also monitoring her health.”
The Governor’s wife commended the member representing Bende South constituency, Hon. Emmanuel Ndubuisi; the chairman, Bende LGA, Chief Emmanuel, Leticia Onwuchekwa and the traditional ruler of the community for their roles in rescuing the widow.
