The Imo State Government has intervened to rescue a widow, Mrs. Chika Ndubuisi, who was reportedly forced by her husband’s relatives to drink the water used in bathing his corpse as a means of proving her innocence in his death.

The incident occurred in Awo-Omamma, Oru East Local Government Area, and came to light after a women’s advocacy group raised an alarm that drew the attention of the State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare.

Reacting to the report, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Lady Nkechinyere Ugwu, condemned the act, describing it as a degrading and obsolete widowhood practice.

Lady Ugwu expressed disbelief that such an act could still occur in modern society, noting that it was appalling for a grieving widow to be subjected to such humiliation by her late husband’s kinsmen. She described the act as barbaric, cruel, and unacceptable in any civilized community.

In a related statement, the wife of the state governor, Chioma Uzodinma, ordered a full-scale investigation into the matter and directed that those responsible be brought to justice.

According to reports, the widow was allegedly detained alongside her husband’s corpse and accused by his relatives of causing his death. They reportedly tried to force her to drink the water used to bathe the body to prove her innocence. However, the prompt intervention of the Commissioner, local authorities, and security agencies—alerted by the advocacy group—prevented the act.

Lady Ugwu further disclosed that the Ministry, in collaboration with the Local Council Chairman and several Non-Governmental Organisations, successfully rescued the widow and her children, confirming that arrests have been made in connection with the incident.

“Normalcy has been restored, and a thorough investigation is ongoing. Mrs. Ndubuisi and her children are now under government protection,” the Commissioner stated.