Mrs. Priscilla Otti, wife of the Abia State Governor, has pledged to hold perpetrators of gender-based violence accountable, emphasizing the government's intensified efforts to confront this serious issue directly.
Mrs. Otti announced her statement on Sunday while visiting Mrs. Amarachi Okpokiri, a survivor of gender-based violence who endured a brutal attack by her husband in Emede, Umuahia North Local Government Area.
The perpetrator had allegedly attempted to remove her eyes for ritual purposes, leaving her with intense machete wounds.
The attack triggered widespread public outrage throughout the state, as many expressed their shock and anger over the brutality of the incident. Community members rallied together, demanding justice for the victim and greater measures to combat gender-based violence.
During her visit, the First Lady announced that the state government had enhanced the committee dedicated to protecting vulnerable groups, ensuring prompt justice for victims.
She stressed the administration's zero tolerance for gender-based violence and reaffirmed the government's commitment to holding perpetrators accountable.
“Abia State will not tolerate anyone involved in gender-based violence, especially against women and children.
“Justice will be served, and no perpetrator of such crimes will escape punishment under this administration,” she declared.
The governor’s wife also assured Mrs. Okpokiri’s family of the government’s support in helping her secure sustainable livelihood, promising assistance to help her start a business.
She also outlined the government’s comprehensive strategy to combat gender-based violence, which includes raising public awareness, establishing safe houses for victims, and offering legal and psychological support for survivors.
“Community engagement is essential,” she emphasized, urging traditional leaders, local authorities, and civil society organizations to report cases and prevent abuses at the grassroots level.
Additionally, Mrs. Otti announced that law enforcement officers were undergoing specialized training to handle gender-based violence cases with sensitivity and urgency, ensuring prompt justice.
She praised the traditional ruler of Emende, HRM Eze Allen Okpokiri, for quickly reporting the incident to the government and encouraged him to leverage his influence to help eradicate such issues in the community.
In response, Eze Okpokiri expressed his gratitude for her visit, calling it a reflection of the compassionate leadership in the state.
“Your actions today show that the right government is in place. The people recognize your dedication to justice, compassion, and service,” he stated.
In her remarks, the survivor expressed profound gratitude to Mrs. Otti for her ongoing support, recalling how the governor’s wife ensured her medical expenses were taken care of and consistently checked on her recovery.
“You have been my pillar of support. May God continue to bless and guide you,” she said.
In their separate remarks, Mrs. Betty Obasi, Administrator of the Eye Specialist Clinic in Abia State, Special Adviser on Women Mobilization Mrs. Chinwe Onyeukwu, and Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection Mrs. Ngozi Felix Blessing expressed their gratitude to the Governor's wife for her steadfast support of gender-based violence victims. They praised her commitment to advocating for the rights of the vulnerable, particularly in providing timely interventions and ongoing care for those affected.
