A coalition of women-led organizations in Bayelsa State has called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of members of a local vigilante group accused of chaining a 71-year-old widow, Madam Sudinah Andrew, to a pole in a public market square in Korokorosei community, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area.
The shocking incident, which took place a few days ago, has sparked widespread outrage among well-meaning Bayelsans, civil society organizations, and particularly women’s rights groups.
Many have condemned the act as a blatant violation of human rights and an unacceptable form of public humiliation against an elderly woman.
,Members of the coalition on Thursday visited Madam Andrew at the hospital, offering their support and assuring her of their commitment to seeking justice. The coalition, which consists of organizations advocating against violence towards women and children, strongly condemned the vigilante group’s actions and called for swift legal action against those responsible.
Barrister Dise Goddy Harry, leader of the Do Foundation Team, emphasized the gravity of the situation while addressing journalists during the hospital visit. She stated that the coalition stands firmly with the widow and is demanding justice on her behalf.
"We were told that she was dragged through the market square and tied to a pole like a common criminal. We are calling on the Bayelsa State Government and the Nigerian Police to investigate the incident," she declared.
She further insisted that the vigilante group’s actions constituted a gross violation of Madam Andrew’s fundamental human rights. "There is no belief or culture that is above the Nigerian constitution. As women, we stand by you," she assured the widow.
Barrister Harry also urged traditional rulers and community leaders to review harmful cultural practices that oppress women and violate their rights. She emphasized that women must be protected from unjust treatment and inhumane customs.
Tari Tina Youdubagha, team lead of the End Violence Against Women and Children (EVAWC) initiative, also expressed outrage, stating that the coalition demands full accountability for those responsible. "We will not relent until justice is served," she asserted.
Hajia Balikis, representing the Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations of Nigeria (FOMWAN), Bayelsa State Chapter, assured Madam Andrew of their unwavering support. "You are our mother. What they did to you is wrong. This is an injustice against every woman," she declared.
Madam Andrew’s younger brother, Mr. ThankGod Bukuromo Andrew, described the incident as deeply distressing for the entire family. "We were shocked to hear that she was dragged through the community. If we had protested, there would have been a crisis, but as peace-loving people, we approached the police and women’s organizations.
She was falsely accused of attempting to attack her niece with a machete, and we were asked to pay N50,000 while being threatened with 50 strokes of the cane," he revealed.
Her son, Dr. Ebimobotei Mao Bunu, also expressed profound sorrow over the ordeal. He recounted, "Despite a police order for her release, when I arrived in the community, I saw my mother tied to a pole with slave chains, while some elderly women were playing draft as if they were enjoying her suffering. If I had chosen to take the law into my own hands, it would have led to conflict. Now, they are even labeling us as lawbreakers."
The coalition has vowed to pursue legal action and ensure that those responsible are held accountable for their inhumane treatment of the elderly widow. They have called on the government and law enforcement agencies to take urgent action to prevent such abuses from recurring in Bayelsa State.
