The Imo State Government has condemned the shocking incident in Awo-Omamma, Oru East Local Government Area, where a widow was reportedly forced to drink water used to bathe her late husband’s corpse after being accused of killing him.
Governor Hope Uzodimma described the act as “barbaric, cruel, and completely unacceptable in a civilized society.” He ordered a full investigation into the case and warned that anyone found guilty will face the law.
The widow, identified as Mrs. Chika Ndubuisi, was said to have been locked inside an ambulance with her husband’s body by his family members, who allegedly tried to make her drink the “corpse water” to prove her innocence.
According to reports, the situation was stopped after the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Chief (Mrs.) Nkechi Ugwu, intervened with the help of security agencies and the Oru East Local Government Chairman, following alerts from women’s advocacy groups including Onurube Coalition, Virgin Heart Foundation, and Harsco Global Media.
Chief Ugwu confirmed that Mrs. Ndubuisi and her children have been rescued and are now under government protection, while several suspects have been arrested.
The Ministry of Women Affairs has also launched a full investigation to ensure justice is served.
Governor Uzodimma reaffirmed his administration’s zero tolerance for such dehumanising widowhood practices, saying the state would not allow any act that undermines the dignity of women or the law.
