Anambra Women Protest Death of Young Mother After Childbirth, Demand Inquest
Women of Umuenwelum Anam in Anambra West Local Government Area of Anambra have protested the untimely and painful death of one of their own Mrs. Anthonia-Chisom Okafor.
Okafor, 26, died on April 9 after childbirth in Lagos but her death has since sparked widespread concern following allegations of visible mutilations on her body and what the community described as “inconsistent explanations” from her husband, Mr Izuchukwu Okafor.
The women, under the umbrella of Umuada Umuenwelum marched in anger to the family house the of the deceased’s husband in Umungwuoba kindred, Umualor village, Umudora Anam,
They said they were a fact-finding visit and to formally present their demands adding that they had lost no fewer than 26 daughters in their matrimonial homes under questionable circumstances.
The women who wore attire with green leaves in their hands demanded accountability and clarity regarding the circumstances of her death.
“This is unacceptable, we came in peace to seek answers, but instead we were met with silence.
Angered by the situation, the women reportedly invoked traditional curses on those they believe may be responsible, before proceeding in a procession across the community.
The protest concluded at the village square, where further traditional rites were performed.
Leader of the group, Mrs Theresa Igwenma, said the protest was part of a broader effort to address a disturbing pattern.
In many of those cases, nothing was done but, this time, we refuse to be silent.
“Custom demands that we, as daughters of the land, must be fully involved, that was not the case here,” she said.
The women’s group therefore demanded the root cause of Okafor’s death, the delay in notifying her family and why there was restricted access to her body as well as why her remains were mutilated.
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“We demand a full and transparent investigation into everything that transpired from the time of her death to the handling of her body.
“Women from Umuenwelum and across Anam must not be treated carelessly in marriage, healthcare, or even in death,” they said.
Meanwhile, All Nation Arise and Manifest, a Civil Society group, has called on the Anambra Ministry of Women Affairs to investigate the matter.
According to the group, if the reported injuries were not inflicted by family members, then all medical and mortuary personnel involved must be thoroughly investigated.”
“We demand truth for Chisom, accountability where necessary, and stronger protection mechanisms for all women,” the statement added.
