From Okechukwu Ugwu, Enugu
The Women’s Aid Collective (WACOL) has condemned, in the strongest possible terms, the severe domestic violence, multiple rapes, mob torture, attempted murder, and the subsequent banishment of a 34 year old mother of six in Aninri Local Government Area of Enugu State.
Describing the acts as barbaric, WACOL said that the horrific incident is a gross violation of human dignity, fundamental human rights, and the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law 2019 of Enugu State.
It conveyed its reaction in a statement issued by its Senior Communication Officer, Ezugwu Bethel.
”According to reports and evidence brought to our attention by the survivor and our correspondent who spoke to the survivor and the police; the mother of 6 had been enduring severe and habitual domestic violence at the hands of her husband, who routinely physically assaulted both her and her mother.
”In a desperate bid for safety, she rented a separate apartment. However, her husband tracked her down, refused to leave her alone, and on the night of July 17, brutally attacked her and chased her out of her new home. When she fled to her mother’s house, the husband pursued her there, threatening to murder her if she remained.
”Out of options and fearing for her life, she sought refuge with a male customer (a palm kernel trader). Because the trader was married, he took her to a friend’s house for temporary shelter. Tragically, the friend connived with another community resident to hold down the Palm Kernel trader, locked the doors and raped the survivor.
”Following this heinous act, the rapist maliciously locked the kernel trader with the survivor inside the house and ran to informed the victim’s husband of her whereabouts.
”The husband arrived with a mob, broke down the door, and subjected the survivor to the following unimaginable horrors:
Public rape & assault: The husband publicly raped the survivor while members of the mob restrained the trader who had tried to help her.
Theft & mob violence: After stealing all the money on her person, the husband used her money , bought drinks for local youths, men, and women, inciting them to torture the palm kernel seller and the survivor.
Dehumanisation & torture: The mob stripped them naked, spat on them, and brutally beat them. Female members of the mob used broken bottles to violently shave the survivor’s hair, while others inflicted severe cutlass wounds all over their bodies.
Attempted murder: The perpetrators dragged the severely injured woman into an ‘evil forest’ and abandoned her to die. After three days in the forest, the survivor, on the brink of death, managed to crawl to the main road where Good Samaritans found her, contacted her sister, and ensured her rescue. She is currently receiving medical treatment at the police clinic while hiding.
”Obstruction of justice and community complicity: To compound this atrocity, the traditional ruler (Igwe) and the President General (PG) of the community have banished the victim and her family, excommunicating them simply because they reported the perpetrators to the police. This victim-blaming and unconstitutional banishment is a gross abuse of power.
”Furthermore, the whereabouts of the male trader who was tortured alongside the victim remains unknown. While the police have made some arrests including the husband and some female accomplices, several perpetrators remain at large. We are deeply concerned by reports that the community’s Igwe initially used his influence to bail out the suspects before they were rightfully rearrested.
”WACOL’s demands: WACOL stands in total solidarity with the survivor and her family. We will not rest until justice is served. We hereby demand the following:
”That while commending the Enugu State Command for their timely intervention , we still demand that the Commissioner of Police, Enugu State Command, must ensure that all fleeing suspects are apprehended. The husband, the rapist who provided the shelter, and every member of the mob involved in this torture must be fully prosecuted.
Police must launch an immediate search and rescue (or recovery) operation for the missing male trader who was attacked by the mob.
”The Enugu State Government and the Ministry of Chieftaincy Matters must immediately call the Igwe and the President General of the Aninri community to order. They must be held accountable for obstructing justice, aiding and abetting criminals, and unconstitutionally banishing the survivor and the family members.
”The police must provide adequate security for the survivor, her sister, and her family, who are currently living in fear for their lives. We maintain that no woman should ever be subjected to this level of barbarism and humiliation. WACOL’s legal and psychosocial teams have been activated to support the survivor through her recovery and the pursuit of justice. We call on all well-meaning Nigerians, human rights organizations, and the media to join us in demanding justice for this mother of six,” the statement read.
WACOL is an independent, non-governmental, non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting the human rights of all, especially women and young people. WACOL is committed to eliminating all forms of gender-based violence and ensuring equitable access to justice.