In a shocking incident that unfolded in Awo-Omamma, Oru East Local Government Area of Imo State, a widow, Mrs. Chika Ndubuisi, narrowly escaped being forced to drink water used to bathe her late husband’s corpse — a cruel ritual meant to “prove” her innocence in his death.
According to Tribune Online, the disturbing act was halted following the swift intervention of the Imo State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Lady Nkechinyere Ugwu, alongside local authorities and security operatives.
Their timely response came after a women’s advocacy group raised an alarm, alerting the government to the situation.
Reports revealed that the widow’s in-laws had accused her of causing her husband’s death and allegedly detained her with his corpse, demanding she drink the water from his cleansing rites as a test of innocence.
Condemning the act, Lady Ugwu described it as “a barbaric and inhuman widowhood practice that has no place in a modern society.”
She said, “Normalcy has been restored, and a detailed investigation is underway.
“The widow, Mrs. Ndubuisi, and her children are under government protection.”
The Commissioner, further, commended the collaboration between her Ministry, the Local Council Chairman, and several Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) that ensured the widow’s rescue.
She confirmed that arrests have already been made in connection with the attempted ritual.
Expressing dismay over the incident, Lady Ugwu emphasized that such practices must be eradicated, especially in a time when widows should be consoled rather than tormented.
Meanwhile, Imo State First Lady, Chioma Uzodinma, has ordered a full-scale investigation into the matter, vowing that those responsible will face the full weight of the law.
The case has sparked outrage across the state, with calls for stronger enforcement of laws protecting widows from harmful traditional practices.
