Nonye Soludo, spouse of the Anambra State governor and founder of the Healthy Living Initiative, has committed to ensuring the legal pursuit of the individual accused of setting his wife on fire in Abagana, Njikoka Local Government Area. This statement was made to journalists in Awka on Wednesday.
Mrs. Soludo shared that she had directly engaged with the situation after seeing a viral video of the horrific incident. She confirmed that she had received comprehensive reports from the Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Mrs. Ify Obinabo, and the Health Commissioner, Dr. Afam Obidike, who visited the site of the incident. “I will ensure that the case is followed closely until justice is served,” she affirmed.
The victim, Chioma Nwaka, a mother of five, was seen in the video fleeing for her life with severe third-degree burns. Eyewitnesses reported that her husband, Sunday Nwaka, doused her with fuel and set her alight during a dispute. Despite the quick response from neighbors who extinguished the fire, Chioma succumbed to her injuries at a medical facility in Enugwu-Ukwu around 3 a.m. on Wednesday. The perpetrator has been apprehended and is expected to face charges.
Mrs. Soludo condemned the act as “gruesome and evil,” highlighting the increasing prevalence of domestic violence and abuse. She called for a comprehensive social reform, particularly focusing on combating drug abuse which she sees as a contributing factor to such violent behaviors.
“The state government takes issues of domestic violence and abuse as serious crimes, and no one who is found guilty of such offences will walk free,” she declared, also ensuring that the welfare of the victim’s five children would be addressed by the state government.
This incident has brought attention to the need for stronger interventions and support systems to prevent such tragedies and provide justice and care for victims and their families.
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