The family of Ugochukwu Chima, an Ebonyi woman allegedly murdered by her husband, has vowed to ensure justice is served. The tragic incident highlights the rising cases of domestic violence in Nigeria, a growing concern for human rights advocates.
Domestic violence remains a global issue, with UNICEF reporting that one in three women has experienced some form of violence. In Nigeria, a 2019 survey by the National Bureau of Statistics revealed that 30% of women aged 15-49 have faced physical violence, while 68% have suffered emotional, economic, or sexual abuse. Between 2020 and 2023, the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs recorded 27,698 cases of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), with 1,145 resulting in fatalities.
In November 2023, Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital, witnessed another heartbreaking case when Chima Eseni allegedly murdered his wife, Ugochukwu Chima, following a domestic dispute. The attack reportedly left a policeman, who attempted to intervene, severely injured. Ugochukwu, a mother of three, was rushed to the hospital but succumbed to her injuries. The police later confirmed her death and arrested her husband.
At her funeral in Itim, Edda Local Government Area, her grieving family condemned the violent act. Her brother, Justice Iheanachor Chima, expressed deep sorrow over her brutal death. Another brother, Sunday Omaka Chima, vowed that the family would not relent in seeking justice, emphasizing that Ugochukwu herself had pleaded for accountability before passing away.
Gender-based violence continues to escalate in Nigeria, with experts raising concerns over its impact on families, particularly children. The Ebonyi State GBV Taskforce Coordinator, Faithvin Nwanchor, and the National Human Rights Commission Coordinator, Christopher Okorie, emphasized the urgent need for intervention, noting that victims should be encouraged to speak out rather than endure abusive relationships.
A legal expert, Mrs. Ijeoma Ajanwachukwu, stressed that separation is sometimes necessary to prevent loss of life. She urged families to support victims instead of pressuring them to remain in dangerous marriages. She also criticized the societal tendency to blame women for staying in abusive relationships, calling for more awareness and proactive measures.
The Magistrate Court in Abakaliki has ordered Eseni’s remand pending further legal proceedings. Advocacy groups are pushing for a swift trial and stricter enforcement of laws protecting domestic violence victims.
