The Imo State Government has rescued a widow, Mrs. Chika Ndubuisi, from her husband’s relatives who allegedly compelled her to drink the water used in bathing his corpse as a test of innocence over his death.
The disturbing incident occurred in Awo-Omamma, Oru East Local Government Area of the state and came to the attention of the authorities after a women’s advocacy group raised an alarm exposing the act.
Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Lady Nkechinyere Ugwu, who led the government’s intervention, strongly condemned the act, describing it as a cruel and outdated widowhood practice.
She expressed dismay that such dehumanizing customs still exist in modern society, noting that a woman already mourning the loss of her husband should not be subjected to further emotional torture.
She frowned at the act, describing it as barbaric, cruel, and completely unacceptable in a civilized society.
The wife of the state governor, Chioma Uzodinma, has directed a full-scale investigation into the matter to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
Sources said the widow had been detained alongside her husband’s corpse after being accused by her in-laws of killing him.
The family allegedly attempted to force her to drink the water used to bathe the corpse to prove her innocence.
However, the quick intervention of the Commissioner, local council authorities, and security operatives prevented the act from being carried out.
Lady Ugwu confirmed that the Ministry, working with the Local Council Chairman and some Non-Governmental Organisations, facilitated the rescue of the widow and her children.
She also disclosed that arrests had been made in connection with the incident.
“Normalcy has been restored, and a detailed investigation is underway. Mrs. Ndubuisi and her children are under government protection,” the Commissioner added.