Mrs. Priscilla Otti, wife of the Abia State Governor, has called for urgent legal action to protect women from violence during her visit to Mrs. Amarachi Lawrence, a survivor of a domestic assault, at the Federal Medical Centre Umuahia.
Mrs. Priscilla Otti, wife of the Governor of Abia State, has called on legal authorities and security agencies to urgently implement laws to protect women and girls from violence. Mrs. Otti made this appeal during her visit to the Federal Medical Centre in Umuahia, where she met with Mrs. Amarachi Lawrence, a woman who was severely injured in a domestic assault.
Mrs. Lawrence, a resident of Atta Emede Ibeku in Umuahia North LGA, was reportedly attacked by her husband, Mr. Lawrence Chukwunyere, who inflicted severe injuries on her eyes and body. According to Mrs. Otti, the visit aimed to assess the victim’s condition and discuss ways the government could support her treatment and recovery. She made a financial contribution to assist with her medical expenses.
“Investigations are ongoing, and it appears the husband did not act alone,” Mrs. Otti stated, adding that the state government is committed to uncovering the truth and ensuring that all responsible parties face justice.
She also praised the Emede community and its leaders, including Eze Allen Okpokiri, for their swift intervention in the case. Mrs. Otti emphasized the importance of community involvement in addressing gender-based violence and called for the establishment of a state-wide response team to prevent such cases from escalating.
Eyewitnesses, including Mrs. Lovejane Nwiwu, the landlady of the couple, and Mr. Ambrose Jonah, head of the community neighborhood watch, provided insights into the incident, noting a sudden change in Mr. Lawrence’s behavior after returning from a prayer house.
The Director of Nursing Services at the Federal Medical Centre, Mrs. Onyemaobi Aisha, confirmed that Mrs. Lawrence is receiving treatment, but her chances of fully regaining her sight remain uncertain.
Mrs. Otti’s visit concluded with an assurance to the traditional ruler of Emede, Eze Allen Okpokiri, that justice for Mrs. Amarachi Lawrence will be pursued diligently. She also highlighted plans to establish a dedicated team to address cases of domestic violence more effectively in the state.
