The Wife of the Chairman of Nkanu East Local Government Council and Chairperson of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) Women Wing, Enugu State, Mrs. Rita Edeh, has strongly condemned the tragic death of Mrs. Onyiyechi Okoh, a native of Amurri community in Nkanu West Local Government Area, who reportedly died as a result of domestic violence.
Mrs. Edeh, in a statement issued in Enugu on Thursday, described the incident as “a cruel and heartbreaking act that strikes at the very soul of womanhood and challenges the conscience of our society.”
She lamented that the life of a woman who should have been loved, cherished, and protected was instead cut short by violence, stressing that the death of Mrs. Okoh represents a painful reminder of the urgent need to end the culture of silence around domestic and gender-based violence.
“No woman deserves to die at the hands of anyone, least of all someone she once trusted. The death of Mrs. Onyiyechi Okoh is a devastating blow not just to her family but to all mothers, sisters, and daughters across Enugu State. This is one tragedy too many, and it must not go unpunished,” she said.
Mrs. Edeh commended the Enugu State Government under Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah for its prompt response and strong stance on justice for victims of gender-based violence, while calling on relevant authorities to ensure that every individual connected to the crime faces the full weight of the law.
“We have confidence in the determination of Governor Peter Mbah’s administration to ensure justice for late Mrs. Okoh. However, justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done. Every perpetrator must be held accountable without compromise or delay,” she emphasized.
The ALGON Women Chairperson also extolled Her Excellency, Mrs. Nkechinyere Mbah, the Wife of the Governor of Enugu State, for her tireless efforts and ongoing advocacy against domestic and gender-based violence, describing her as “a voice of courage and compassion for women and children across the state.”
Mrs. Edeh further called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, and civil society organizations to strengthen awareness campaigns promoting mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and non-violence within families and communities.
“Domestic violence is not a private affair, it is a crime and a moral failure of our society. We must collectively rise to end this scourge. Silence is no longer an option; indifference is no longer acceptable,” she warned.
Extending her heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and the entire Amurri community, Mrs. Edeh prayed for divine comfort and strength during their period of grief. She urged women facing abuse to speak out and seek support, assuring them that ALGON Enugu Women Wing remains committed to defending and amplifying their voices.
“We mourn with the Okoh family and the people of Amurri. But beyond mourning, we must act. Not one more woman should die in silence. Not one more mother’s tears should be shed because of violence. Together, we must create a society where every woman lives in peace, safety, and dignity,” she concluded.