By Sunny A. David, Awka
Women from Ogbo Obodobo in Isiagu, Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State, have appealed to the state government, relevant agencies, human rights organisations and well-meaning Nigerians to urgently intervene in the case of a woman allegedly subjected to years of domestic violence.
The victim, whose identity is being withheld for security reasons, is said to be a mother of more than six children. Community members alleged that she suffered repeated physical and emotional abuse from her husband, identified as Mr. Nnamdi Ajaezu, a commercial bus driver from Eniko Village in Isiagu.
According to the women, the situation worsened after the woman reportedly raised concerns about family planning due to the family’s financial difficulties and the challenge of raising a large number of children.
They alleged that the disagreements led to repeated assaults, forcing the woman out of her matrimonial home. They further claimed that some of her personal belongings were burnt, while equipment used for her akara business was destroyed.
The group also alleged that the woman sustained serious injuries during one of the attacks and has since been struggling to walk properly. They described her as being in urgent need of medical treatment, protection and other forms of support.
The women said the victim, who is originally from Enugu State, has also endured several personal tragedies, including the loss of her immediate siblings and her only surviving daughter.
Concerned about her condition, members of the community reportedly searched for the woman’s husband after he allegedly went into hiding. They said he was later found at his residence in Eniko Village on Friday and publicly paraded around the community on a wheelbarrow over allegations of domestic violence.
The women maintained that the alleged abuse was not an isolated incident, claiming the suspect had previously been linked to similar acts of maltreatment. They also urged women in the community to be cautious in their dealings with him while stressing that allegations of domestic violence should never be ignored.
They called on the Anambra State Ministry of Women and Social Welfare, the Ministry of Health, the Nigeria Police Force, human rights organisations, women’s advocacy groups and other relevant stakeholders to ensure the victim receives medical care, legal assistance, psychosocial support and economic empowerment.
The incident has renewed concerns over the plight of women trapped in abusive relationships, particularly those who lack financial independence and immediate access to protection and support.
As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official response from the accused or law enforcement authorities regarding the allegations.
