The Nigerian Police Force in Abia State has set in motion, the investigation into a man's attempt to gouge out his wife's eye allegedly for ritual purposes while she was asleep at night in Umueze Ibeku community, a suburb of Umuahia, Abia State.
Mr Lawrence Uzor, the suspect who is an aluminum worker from Bende LGA, has been arrested and is in police custody with some evidence related to the crime.
Police Public Relations Officer, Abia Police Command, ASP Maureen Chinaka stated that a comprehensive investigation is currently underway. She assured the public that authorities are diligently examining all aspects of the case to ensure a thorough and accurate investigation.
Mrs. Amarachi Lawrence, the victim, is currently receiving treatment at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Umuahia. The landlady, Mrs. Lovejane Nwaiwu, who was injured while attempting to intervene, has been treated and discharged.
Mr. Darlington Madubuko, spokesperson for the FMC in Umuahia, assured that Amarachi Lawrence is making gradual progress in her recovery.
The incident also caught the attention of Abia State First Lady, Mrs. Priscilla Otti. She visited the victim at the hospital and pledged to ensure justice is served. Mrs. Otti assured that the state government will respond effectively to such cases and that the agreement she signed with UNFPA on gender-based violence will be actively enforced.
Earlier, Prof. Azubuike Onyebuchi, Medical Director of FMC Umuahia, represented by Director of Medical Services Mrs. Aisha Onyemaobi, assured that the hospital would provide its best services to ensure the full recovery of the victims.
Tutus Ambrose Jonah, Chairman of Umueze Ibeku community and General Manager of ASEPA Umuahia Zone, called the incident barbaric. He expressed deep disapproval, emphasizing the need for stronger community action and support to prevent such violence and ensure justice.
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It was reported that a young man from the village took Lawrence to a prayer house. Later, Lawrence returned from a local stream with kola nuts, eggs, and other items.
After arriving home, he used a knife to forcibly attempt to remove his wife's eyes allegedly for ritual purposes. The landlady Mrs. Nwaiwu who tried to intervene got injured by Lawrence's knife.
