Abia First Lady Condemns Brutal Assault on Woman, Pledges Support for Victim
Umuahia, Nigeria – The First Lady of Abia State, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, has expressed deep sorrow over the horrific incident in which a man allegedly gouged out his wife’s eyes early Sunday morning, reportedly for ritual purposes. The disturbing event occurred in Umuahia, the state’s capital.
The suspect, Lawrence Uzor, an aluminium worker originally from Umuchieze in Bende Local Government Area but residing at Adiele Estate in Umueze Ibeku, Umuahia North, allegedly attacked his wife, Amarachi Lawrence, while she was asleep. The incident reportedly took place around 1 am.
According to Madam Lovejane Nwaiwu, the couple’s landlady, who is also receiving treatment at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Umuahia after being injured in the attack, Uzor was heard shouting “Odogwu, Odogwu (mighty, mighty)” late on Saturday night, an unusual occurrence that prompted her to pray for the couple.
Madam Nwaiwu recounted, “I became restless and couldn’t sleep. Around 1 am, I heard Mrs. Lawrence, a teacher at a prominent private school in Umuahia, scream, ‘Mummy, I have been killed.’ When I looked through their window, I saw Uzor holding a knife over his wife.”
She tried to raise an alarm and seek help from neighbors, but no one responded. When she confronted Uzor, he attacked her, causing injuries to her hand and mouth before fleeing the scene to inform neighbors that he had killed both his wife and the landlady.
Fortunately, the community vigilance team arrived in time to apprehend Uzor. Both the landlady and Mrs. Lawrence were rushed to the Federal Medical Centre for treatment.
Speaking at the hospital, Mrs. Otti condemned the act as a terrible case of gender-based violence and attempted murder. She expressed her commitment to ensuring that the victim receives proper care and protection. The First Lady, who recently signed a compact agreement with the UNFPA on gender-based violence, also commended the Umueze Ibeku community for their quick response and support. She provided financial assistance for the treatment and upkeep of the victims.
The Medical Director of FMC Umuahia, Prof. Azubuike Onyebuchi, represented by the Director of Medical Services, Mrs. Aisha Onyemaobi, briefed Mrs. Otti on the victim’s condition. Onyemaobi revealed that Mrs. Lawrence, 38, was attacked while deeply asleep and suffered severe injuries, including an attempt to gouge out her eyes and genital mutilation. The suspect is currently in police custody, and the victim is expected to make a good recovery.
The victim’s family, including her sister, Ijeoma Okpokiri, and cousin, Chioma Okpokiri, have called on the Inspector General of Police and the government, particularly Governor Alex Otti, to ensure justice is served and to support their sister’s recovery.