The Imo State Government has rescued a widow, Mrs. Chika Ndubuisi, from her late husband’s family after they allegedly forced her to drink water used in bathing her husband’s corpse as a test of innocence.
The shocking incident occurred in Awo-Omamma, Oru East Local Government Area of Imo State, where the widow was accused by her husband’s kinsmen of being responsible for his death. According to reports, she was detained alongside the corpse and coerced to perform the ritual before government officials and security agencies intervened.
The case came to public attention after a women’s advocacy group raised an alarm, prompting the Imo State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare to take swift action. The Commissioner for Women Affairs, Lady Nkechinyere Ugwu, described the act as “barbaric, cruel, and completely unacceptable in a civilized society.”
“It is shocking and heartbreaking that in this modern age, such inhuman widowhood practices still exist. This woman has just lost her husband and is already in deep grief, yet her in-laws subjected her to such humiliation and trauma,” the Commissioner said.
Lady Ugwu confirmed that a joint operation involving the Ministry of Women Affairs, the Oru East Local Council Authority, and some Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) successfully rescued Mrs. Ndubuisi and her children. She also revealed that some arrests have been made in connection with the incident.
“Normalcy has been restored, and Mrs. Ndubuisi and her children are currently under government protection. A detailed investigation is underway, and justice will be served,” she added.
In reaction to the disturbing development, the First Lady of Imo State, Chioma Uzodinma, condemned the act and directed that a comprehensive investigation be carried out to ensure that all individuals involved face the full weight of the law.
The governor’s wife emphasized that widowhood practices that dehumanize women have no place in modern society, urging religious and community leaders to actively work against such traditions.
Eyewitnesses from the Awo-Omamma community said that the deceased man’s family accused his widow of witchcraft and alleged that she was behind his sudden death. They reportedly insisted she must drink the water used in bathing his corpse as a spiritual test to prove her innocence — a common but now outlawed practice in some parts of Nigeria.
However, the swift intervention of government authorities prevented the act from being carried out. The state’s response has drawn widespread praise from human rights advocates and women’s groups who commended the government for taking decisive action against harmful cultural practices.
Activists have urged other state governments to adopt similar rapid-response mechanisms to protect vulnerable widows and women facing abuse or cultural violence.
The Imo State Ministry of Women Affairs reiterated its commitment to ensuring that all forms of violence, discrimination, or degrading traditional practices against women and girls are eliminated in the state.
As investigations continue, the rescued widow and her children remain in protective custody while the state government works to provide psychological support and ensure their safety.
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