Abia First Lady Visits Woman whose Husband attempted to plucked Out Eyes, at FMC Umuahia

First Lady of Abia State, Mrs Priscilla Otti has described as deeply saddened the case of a man, who early Sunday morning in Umuahia, gouged out his wife’s eyes allegedly for ritual purposes.

It was gathered the man, Lawrence Uzor, an aluminium worker from Umuchieze in Bende LGA, living at Adiele Estate in Umueze Ibeku in Umuahia North had about 1 am used a knife to remove his wife’s eyes as she was asleep.

Speaking to newsmen, Mrs. Otti called on legal institutions and security agencies to swiftly implement laws and measures to protect women and girls from gender-based violence.

Speaking at the Federal Medical Centre, FMC Umuahia where the victims are being treated, Mrs Otti said she was deeply saddened by the case just a few days after signing the compact agreement with the UNFPA on gender-based violence, stating “This is a terrible case of violence, attempted murder”, adding that she would take immediate action to ensure the victim is well and protected.

While speaking to journalists after the visit, Mrs. Otti revealed that her team took action promptly once the case was reported as she further assured that the state government would tackle such cases, stating that she would ensure further GBV responses front desk and team would take proper actions.
She commended the Umueze Ibeku community over their response and support to the issue, assuring the state GBV will be partnering with communities.

The Abia First Lady also donated cash for the treatment and upkeep of the victims.

Earlier in his response, the Medical Director of FMC, Umuahia, Prof. Azubuike Onyebuchi, who was represented by his Director Medical Services, Mrs Aisha Onyemaobi explained to Otti that reports indicated that the main victim, 38-year-old Lawrence, was deeply asleep when the husband woke her up and started cutting her.

Onyemaobi further disclosed that a good progress in her recovery is expected, saying the suspect is in custody.

Meanwhile, the Governor’s wife visited the traditional ruler of Emede community, Eze Allen Okpokiri and assured him that justice for Mrs. Amarachi will be served.

She stressed the need for a functional GBV response team in the state, noting that the committee will be established soonest to mitigate cases of domestic violence before it escalate.