The Anambra government says it has commenced an investigation into the death of Ogochukwu Anene, allegedly killed by her husband, Wilson Uwadiegwu, over a loaf of bread.

Ify Obinabo, the commissioner for women and social welfare, disclosed this on Wednesday in Awka while receiving the mother of the deceased, Cordelia Anene, in her office.

A video online alleged that Ms Anene, popularly known as Ada Awka, was beaten to death by her husband over a loaf of bread.

“Since the deceased is from Anambra, the state government will not keep quiet over the unfortunate incident but will make sure that thorough investigation is carried out and concluded in record time,” Ms Obinabo stated.

Ms Obinabo urged women in abusive marriages to always speak out and seek help instead of dying in silence because of what society would say.

Ms Anene, who alleged that her husband killed her daughter, said the suspect fled immediately after the alleged murder. She called on the state government to bring the culprit to book.

“Ogochukwu was beaten by her husband because she ate the loaf of bread he bought for the kids. When the children wanted to eat, he became furious as to why they would ask him about the bread and pounced on her with a mirror and other objects which left her in bad condition,” said the deceased’s mother.

She added, “Few days after the beating, my daughter was hospitalised at Niger Foundation in Enugu, where they said she suffered internal bleeding as a result of injury sustained during the beating. The doctors confirmed this after a series of scans were carried out and referred us to Enugu State University Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Ituku-Ozalla. While all these were happening, the husband was nowhere to be found.”

Ms Anene added, “Though we have gone for an autopsy, we have not been able to get feedback on the result. Rather, the officer handling the case is begging that we drop the case.” 

(NAN)