Security operatives in Anambra State have arrested a woman and her two children for allegedly assaulting her 75-year-old husband, Romanus Obidigwe.
The incident occurred in the Awba-Ofemmili community, located in Awka North Local Government Area, Anambra State, according to a report by The PUNCH.
Chidimma Ikeanyionwu, the Media Aide to the state Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Ify Obinabo, confirmed the arrest in a statement released on Wednesday.
The arrest followed a report from Obidigwe, who disclosed that he had suffered repeated abuse at the hands of his family.
The statement revealed, “The Anambra State government, through its security operatives, has arrested Esther Obidigwe, Ozioma Obidigwe, and Obuka Obidigwe for assaulting their 75-year-old father, Romanus Obidigwe.”
Obidigwe, a retired senior civil servant, recounted his ordeal to officials at the Commissioner’s office, describing a history of mistreatment by his family, culminating in the recent assault.
He explained that the confrontation started when his daughter, Ozioma, sold his firewood without his consent. When he confronted her, she, along with her mother and brother, attacked him. They tied him up, beat him with a rod, and left him with injuries.
The statement continued, “Mr. Obidigwe further disclosed that the trio had stopped providing him with food, which he accepted as his fate, and that they frequently stole from him, particularly his eldest son, Obuka, who had gone to his former workplace to claim his benefits.”
Obidigwe also lamented that his wife had imposed a “no sexual relationship” policy since 2000, which he had reluctantly accepted for the sake of peace in the family.
He added that after the assault, his attackers only stopped when a neighbor intervened, and afterward, they locked him out of his home.
During questioning, his son Obuka denied being involved in the assault, while his wife Esther admitted to the act. His daughter Ozioma claimed that her father’s actions triggered the incident, though she did not provide details.
Commissioner Obinabo, responding to the situation, promised to ensure justice for the elderly victim, emphasizing the ministry’s commitment to upholding the rights of all individuals, not just women and children.
She issued a stern warning against criminal behavior, reiterating the administration’s dedication to securing justice for the oppressed.
The mother and her children have been handed over to the police for further questioning and will face charges in court.
(allnews.ng)
Leave a Reply