The Imo State Government has rescued a widow, Mrs. Chika Ndubuisi, who was allegedly forced by her late husband’s kinsmen to drink water used in bathing his corpse to prove her innocence over his death. The disturbing incident occurred in Awo-Omamma, Oru East Local Government Area of the state and was exposed after a women advocacy group raised an alarm to the State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare.

Reacting to the shocking act, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Lady Nkechinyere Ugwu, strongly condemned the barbaric practice, describing it as inhuman, outdated, and cruel. She expressed dismay that such acts still exist in modern society, adding that no widow should be subjected to humiliation and psychological torture under any guise.

The First Lady of Imo State, Chioma Uzodinma, has since ordered a full-scale investigation into the matter to ensure that those responsible face the law. Reports revealed that the widow was detained by her husband’s relatives alongside his corpse and accused of being responsible for his death before the intervention of government officials and security agencies prevented the forced ritual.

Commissioner Ugwu confirmed that the prompt collaboration between the Ministry of Women Affairs, local council authorities, and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) ensured the swift rescue of Mrs. Ndubuisi and her children. She added that some arrests have already been made in connection with the incident.

“Normalcy has been restored, and a detailed investigation is underway. Mrs. Ndubuisi and her children are now under government protection,” Lady Ugwu stated. The government reaffirmed its commitment to protecting women’s rights and eliminating all forms of harmful widowhood practices across Imo State.