The Imo State Government has intervened to rescue Mrs. Chika Ndubuisi, a widow from Awo-Omamma in Oru East Local Government Area, who was allegedly forced by her late husband’s kinsmen to drink water used in bathing his corpse. This cruel act was reportedly intended to force her to prove innocence over her husband’s death.
The incident came to light after a women’s advocacy group alerted the State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare. The ministry, led by Commissioner Lady Nkechinyere Ugwu, condemned the act as " an inhuman widowhood practice that has become outdated" and described it as "barbaric, cruel, and completely unacceptable in a civilised society."
Mrs. Ndubuisi was detained alongside her husband’s corpse in an ambulance by relatives who accused her of causing his death. Due to the swift intervention of the government, security operatives, and local council officials, she and her children were rescued and placed under government protection.
The commissioner confirmed that a detailed investigation is underway and assured that those responsible would face the full weight of the law. The wife of the state governor, Chioma Uzodinma, also ordered an immediate probe into the incident.
This harrowing event has shed light on the persistence of harmful traditional practices against widows and highlights urgent calls for societal change and greater enforcement of human rights protections in the region.