Anambra women protest, demand justice for lady burnt to death by husband

Some women from across the 179 communities in Anambra State, on Thursday, embarked on a peaceful demonstration to mourn the Late Mrs Blessing Nwaka, the woman who was burnt to death by her husband in Abagana, Njikoka Local Government Area of the state.

The women, who marched to the office of the Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Dora Akunyili, at the Women Development Centre Awka, chanted songs to express their displeasure against the act.

They were made up of women from different women’s associations including the Anambra State Association of Town Unions.

The deceased, whose husband, identified as Obiozor was set ablaze over alleged infidelity, later died on Wednesday at a nearby hospital where she was rushed to, as a result of the burns she sustained during the incident.

The National President of ASATU Women Wing, Mrs Ify Okaro, who led the protesters warned their male counterparts to handle their spouses with care and love and avoid situations that will lead to violence.

Also, the representative of the Women Leaders of communities, Mrs Josine Unachukwu, threatened to raze down the houses of any man who kills his spouse again in the state.

Responding, the Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Mrs Ify Obinabo, assured the women of the resolve of the wife of the state Governor, Mrs Nonye Soludo to ensure that justice takes its full course, calling on men to always report their wives to the ministry instead of taking laws into their hands.

The women who were visibly angry over the incident chanted, “Marriage is not a do or die affair”, “anujuo must go”; and “Stop killing women” as they continued their protest.