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.

READ ALSO:

• Police Arrest Woman Seen Threatening Officer With Knife Over Cannabis Arrest
• Amaechi: Tinubu’s Policies Made My Mother’s Drugs Unaffordable
• NYSC Kidnap: Abductors Demand N950m for 19 Prospective Corps Members in Imo

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

Plateau Highway Crash: 20 Killed, Five Injured in Multiple-Vehicle Accident

At least 20 people have been killed and five others injured in a multiple-vehicle road crash along the Hawan Kibo–Jos route in Plateau State.

The fatal Plateau crash occurred at about 3:32pm on Friday, October 2, shortly after Sopp Water Falls, according to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).

The FRSC said preliminary findings indicated that brake failure and loss of control may have triggered the accident.

Four vehicles were involved in the crash: a Howo Sino truck, a Toyota Corolla, a Toyota Hummer bus operated by Yankari Express and a motorcycle whose registration details were not immediately available.

The road safety agency said 25 people were involved in the accident, comprising 23 males and two females. All 20 fatalities were male, while the five injured victims comprised three males and two females.

The injured victims were evacuated to Riyom General Hospital and Vom Christian Hospital for treatment, while the bodies of those who died were deposited at the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) mortuary.

READ ALSO:

• Police Arrest Woman Seen Threatening Officer With Knife Over Cannabis Arrest
• Amaechi: Tinubu’s Policies Made My Mother’s Drugs Unaffordable
• NYSC Kidnap: Abductors Demand N950m for 19 Prospective Corps Members in Imo

According to the preliminary account, the heavy-duty truck was descending the Hawan Kibo section of the highway when it reportedly developed a brake problem and lost control before colliding with the other vehicles.

FRSC rescue personnel were deployed to the scene to evacuate victims, recover the bodies and clear the highway. The affected section was subsequently reopened to traffic.

Reacting to the tragedy, FRSC Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and wished those injured a speedy recovery.

He also directed the Corps’ crash investigation team to conduct a detailed investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident, particularly the reported mechanical failure and loss of control.

The FRSC urged motorists, especially operators of commercial vehicles and heavy-duty trucks, to ensure that their vehicles are roadworthy and properly maintained before embarking on journeys.

Drivers were also advised to exercise caution when navigating steep or descending sections of highways and to maintain speeds that allow them to respond safely to unexpected situations.

The latest incident has renewed concerns over road safety in Nigeria, particularly the dangers posed by vehicle defects, excessive speed and loss of control involving heavy-duty vehicles.

Authorities continue to advise motorists to conduct appropriate safety checks, observe traffic regulations and avoid taking vehicles with suspected mechanical faults onto highways.

The FRSC investigation is expected to provide further details on the circumstances surrounding the Plateau highway crash and determine the factors that led to the deaths and injuries.

Plateau Highway Crash: 20 Killed, Five Injured in Multiple-Vehicle Accident

Police Arrest Woman Seen Threatening Officer With Knife Over Cannabis Arrest

The Ogun State Police Command has arrested a woman who was seen in a viral video allegedly threatening a police officer with a knife during a confrontation over suspected cannabis sales in Ijebu-Igbo.

The incident occurred in Ijebu-Igbo, headquarters of Ijebu North Local Government Area of Ogun State.

In the video circulating online, the woman, dressed in a green gown, was seen inside a vehicle confronting police officers who had reportedly arrested her over alleged Indian hemp sales.

She questioned why the officers were targeting her and was heard asking why they were “troubling” her when other people were also allegedly involved in the sale of Indian hemp.

The woman later stepped out of the vehicle holding a knife and moved towards a female police officer who appeared to be recording the confrontation.

She also accused the officers of repeatedly harassing her and issued threats while speaking in Yoruba.

READ ALSO:

• Amaechi: Tinubu’s Policies Made My Mother’s Drugs Unaffordable
• NYSC Kidnap: Abductors Demand N950m for 19 Prospective Corps Members in Imo
• N500 Petrol, Wage Award: Public Sector Workers Begin Warning Strike

The footage subsequently attracted widespread attention on social media, with users expressing concern over the alleged confrontation between the woman and the police.

The Ogun State Police Command confirmed the woman’s arrest and said an investigation had commenced.

Police spokesperson DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi said the suspect was taken into custody while investigators worked to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The state Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General, Oluwasina Ogungbade, SAN, also confirmed that the woman was expected to face legal proceedings.

However, authorities have not disclosed the quantity of cannabis allegedly recovered or provided full details of the circumstances that led to the woman’s initial arrest.

The incident has renewed attention on enforcement against the possession, sale and distribution of illicit drugs in Ogun State.

Law-enforcement agencies have continued operations against drug-related activities across the state, while authorities have urged residents to provide information that could assist investigations into suspected drug trafficking and sales.

The woman could face further legal action over the alleged drug-related offence and any offence arising from the confrontation with the police.

The allegations, however, remain subject to investigation and due process, and the suspect is presumed innocent unless proven guilty by a court.

Police Arrest Woman Seen Threatening Officer With Knife Over Cannabis Arrest