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Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, has condemned the shocking incident involving a widow who was allegedly assaulted and forced into an ambulance carrying her late husband’s body during his burial in Isieke, Awo-Omamma, Oru East Local Government Area.
A viral video had surfaced showing the heartbroken widow crying after being slapped and locked inside the ambulance. Reports alleged that her in-laws also attempted to force her to drink the water used to bathe her husband’s corpse, accusing her of being responsible for his death.
The disturbing act sparked nationwide outrage, prompting a swift response from the Imo State Government.
In an official statement released via the Imo State New Media Facebook page, Governor Uzodinma described the incident as “barbaric, cruel, and completely unacceptable in a civilized society.”
“The Imo State Government strongly condemns the attempted reintroduction of an inhuman widowhood practice in Awo-Omamma, where a widow was reportedly coerced to partake in a barbaric ritual involving the drinking of water used to bathe her late husband’s corpse,” the statement read.
Representing the governor, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Vulnerable Groups, Chief (Mrs.) Nkechi Ugwu, ordered an immediate and thorough investigation into the matter and assured that all perpetrators would face the full weight of the law.
Preliminary reports revealed that the victim, Mrs. Chika Ndubuisi, was accused by her in-laws of killing her husband, the late Mr. Odinakachi Ndubuisi, and unlawfully detained inside the ambulance with his corpse.
However, a swift intervention by the Ministry of Women Affairs — working with the Chairman of Oru East LGA, security agencies, and women’s advocacy groups including Onurube Coalition, Virgin Heart Foundation, and Harsco Global Media — successfully rescued the widow and her children before the act could be carried out.
Chief Ugwu confirmed that the ministry’s prompt action led to the arrest of those involved and the restoration of peace in the community.
Governor Uzodinma reiterated his administration’s zero tolerance for dehumanizing widowhood practices, emphasizing that such acts violate both the laws and moral values of Imo State.
Meanwhile, Mrs. Ndubuisi and her children have been placed under government protection to ensure their safety and well-being, as investigations continue.
