Perpetrators of gender-based violence will face the law in Abia- says Abia first lady
Perpetrators of gender-based violence will face the law in Abia- says Abia first lady
Ogbonnaya Ikokwu, Umuahia
The wife of the Abia State Governor Mrs Priscilla Otti, has said that perpetrators of gender-based violence will not go unpunished, as the state government is taking strong steps to combat the menace.
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She also revealed that the committee responsible for protecting vulnerable groups in the state has been reinforced, with a renewed focus at ensuring swift justice for victims.
Mrs Otti spoke on Sunday when she visited a victim of gender-based Mrs Amarachi Okpokiri, who survived an assault by her husband, who allegedly attempted to gouge out her eyes for ritual purposes in
Emede, a community in Umuahia North Local Government Area.
It will be recalled that the attack left Amarachi with severe machete wounds, which sparked public outrage.
The governor’s wife stated that the perpetrators of such violent crime will face the full force of the law, adding that the state government has zero-tolerance to gender-based violence.
She reassured the family that the state government remains committed to helping Amarachi find sustainable means of livelihood and pledged support to enable her to start a business.
She said, “Abia State will be a hostile environment for anyone involved in gender-based violence, particularly against women and children. Justice will be served, and no perpetrator of such crime will go unpunished under the watch of this administration.
The state government is committed to safeguarding Abia residents. Several strategies has been put in place to fight against gender-based violence, including increased public awareness campaigns, the establishment of more safe houses for victims, and the provision of legal and psychological support for survivors.
“The importance of community engagement can not be over emphasized. We urge traditional rulers, local authorities, and civil society organizations to work together in reporting cases and preventing abuses at the grassroots level.
“Additionally, efforts to train law enforcement officers to handle such cases with sensitivity and urgency are being prioritized to ensure justice is served promptly”.
Mrs Otti commended the traditional ruler of Emende HRM Eze Allen Okpokiri, for his proactive at reporting the incident to the state government. She urged him to use his influence to ensure that such issues are eradicated, reinforcing the government’s call for community leaders to play a key role in curbing gender-based violence at the grassroots level.
Responding the traditional ruler expressed appreciation to the governor’s wife, adding that her visit was a testament to the compassionate leadership in the state.
“Your actions today demonstrate that the right government is in power. The righteous are in leadership, and it is evident through your commitment to justice, compassion and service. The people are rejoicing because they see the care and dedication you bring,” he said.
In a remark the survivor expressed immense gratitude to Mrs. Otti for her continued care and intervention.
She recalled how the First Lady ensured her medical bills were covered, constantly monitored her recovery, and personally visited to check on her progress.
“You have been my pillar of support. May God continue to bless and guide you,” Amarachi said.
In their separate remarks, Mrs. Betty Obasi, Administrator of Eye Specialist hospital, Special Adviser on Women Mobilization, Mrs. Chinwe Onyeukwu, and the Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection, Mrs. Ngozi Felix Blessing, expressed their gratitude to the wife of the Governor for her unwavering support for victims of gender-based violence.
They commended her commitment to championing the rights of the vulnerable, particularly in ensuring timely interventions and sustained care for those affected.