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The wife of the Abia State Governor, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, has pledged that those responsible for gender-based violence in the state will face justice. She emphasized that the government is intensifying its efforts to address this issue with full force.
Mrs. Otti made her remarks on Sunday while visiting Mrs. Amarachi Okpokiri, a woman who endured a severe assault at the hands of her husband in Emede, within Umuahia North Local Government Area, and has since survived the ordeal.
The suspect allegedly tried to remove her eyes in a ritual attack, leaving her with deep machete wounds that caused severe harm.
The assault has sparked a strong backlash from the public, with widespread outrage spreading across the state.
At the visit, the First Lady stated that the government had enhanced the capacity of the committee charged with protecting vulnerable groups, guaranteeing quicker justice for victims.
She emphasised the administration’s zero tolerance for gender-based violence and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring perpetrators are brought to book.
“Abia State will be a hostile environment for anyone involved in gender-based violence, particularly against women and children
“Justice will be served, and no perpetrator of such crime will go unpunished under this administration,” she declared.
The governor’s wife also reassured Mrs. Okpokiri’s family of the government’s support in helping her find sustainable means of livelihood, pledging assistance to enable her to start a business.
Read also: Abia Govt Starts Payment Of New Minimum Wage October
She further outlined the government’s multifaceted approach to combating gender-based violence, including raising public awareness, establishing safe houses for victims, and providing both legal and psychological support for survivors.
“Community engagement is key,” she noted, calling on traditional rulers, local authorities, and civil society organizations to report cases and prevent abuses at the grassroots level.
In addition, Mrs. Otti revealed that law enforcement officers were receiving specialized training to handle gender-based violence cases with sensitivity and urgency, ensuring justice is served promptly.
Commending the traditional ruler of Emende, HRM Eze Allen Okpokiri, for swiftly reporting the incident to the government, she urged him to continue using his influence to eradicate such issues in the community.
Responding, Eze Okpokiri expressed his appreciation for her visit, describing it as a testament to the compassionate leadership in the state.
