Ebonyi Widow Alleges Death Threats, Ostracisation Over Late Husband’s Property

Ebonyi Widow Alleges Death Threats, Ostracisation Over Late Husband’s Property

A widow in Ezza South Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, Mrs Njideka Ngwuta, has cried out for help after she was allegedly ostracised from her community and banned from accessing water and the local market following a dispute involving members of her late husband’s family and a women’s group.

Ngwuta, who has reportedly lived in Nsokkara community for about 27 years, alleged that the Acharaukwu Development Union (ADU) Women Wing imposed the sanction after she questioned the relocation of the group’s meetings from a public playground to a private residence.

She also alleged that the dispute was linked to a prolonged disagreement over her late husband’s land and family property, claiming that some members of his kindred had attempted to take control of the property and force her and her children out of their home.

According to the widow, she was handed a matchbox as a symbolic indication that she had been ostracised from the community. She alleged that she was subsequently prevented from fetching water from community sources, entering the local market to buy or sell goods and freely associating with other residents.

Ngwuta further alleged that she was threatened with death if she failed to comply with the restrictions.

She said the dispute over her late husband’s property became more intense after she resisted attempts to take control of the family land. According to her, the matter had previously been taken before community leaders, who ruled in her favour.

The widow said she remained in the community after her husband’s death to care for her mother-in-law and raise their three children. She said she depended largely on farming on the family land to support the household and educate her children.

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She alleged that tensions escalated after she refused to attend some meetings held at private residences, citing concerns about her safety.

In an effort to resolve the matter, members of the Catholic Women Organization at her church reportedly encouraged her to apologise to the ADU women. Ngwuta said she later went to meet the women alongside other church members but was prevented from entering the premises where the meeting was being held.

She also alleged that a neighbour, Rebecca Aleke, was assaulted after visiting her following the alleged ostracisation. The allegation has not been independently established.

The ADU Women Wing reportedly confirmed that Ngwuta had been ostracised but disputed her account of the circumstances leading to the action. The women allegedly accused her of previously taking actions against other members who violated community decisions.

The traditional ruler of Nsokkara Autonomous Community, Eze Festus Ifesinachi Okonkwo, however, condemned the treatment of the widow and said such ostracisation was not part of the community’s culture.

The monarch said attempts to resolve the dispute had failed after the women involved allegedly refused to honour invitations from the traditional council.

He subsequently disbanded the leadership of the Acharaukwu Development Union Women Wing, forwarding the dissolution order to the Ebonyi State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters.

The traditional ruler also said the alleged treatment of Ngwuta was inconsistent with the provisions of the Ebonyi State Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law 2018, describing the reported harassment and restrictions as an infringement on her rights.

He directed the widow to return to her matrimonial home and reunite with her children and other members of her family, while warning against further threats to her safety.

Ngwuta has appealed to the Ebonyi State Ministry of Women Affairs, the wife of the state governor, Mrs Uzoamaka Nwifuru, the police and other relevant authorities to intervene in the matter.

She wants the alleged ostracisation, threats, property dispute and restrictions on her access to water and the market investigated and those responsible held accountable where wrongdoing is established.

The case has also drawn attention to concerns surrounding the treatment of widows in traditional communities, particularly disputes involving inheritance, family property and community sanctions. The allegations made by Ngwuta concerning threats, assault and attempts to take over her late husband’s property remain subject to investigation.

Ebonyi Widow Alleges Death Threats, Ostracisation Over Late Husband’s Property