Culture of Silence and Domestic Violence: The Death of Nkechi and Unborn Child. True Story
This is a True Story on an event that took place recently in Enugu State Nigeria. Attorney Ike Melchyesedech Ezekwu,Sr has been in communication with various victims of domestic violence in Enugu and other parts of Nigeria. This is just one of the many stories. When I first heard about it I was personally shocked and disappointed. I have been hearing too many horror stories about how our Nigerian men constantly beat their wives and I have seen firsthand how they tried to continue the culture of wife beating in the USA only to be thwarted by US laws.
I asked Mr. Ezekwu to provide me with more information so I could blast it out to my mailing list. Why? To bring attention to this horrible crime, to wake people up so they can hopefully intervene next time when they see this happening to their sister, mother, auntie, cousin, neice, it is NOT ok to idly stand by and Do Nothing.
A lot of our Nigerian/African sisters, mothers, aunties, nieces are being battered and beaten by their husbands. There seems to be a deadly code of silence as the battered women have no place to run to, some are denied by their own family, most have no money to be on their own and risk losing their children, others stay with their husbands and on a lot of occasions are murdered by those same husbands.
This is such a story. This is NOT a made up story but true facts and events that recently took place in Enugu Nigeria. Please share. Please spread the word that Enough is Enough. Nigerian Men need to stop beating and killing their wives s!!
Please take a few minutes of your time to read the story. May the Soul of Nkechi rest in peace.
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My dear friends,
I come before you humble, with my head bowed and on bended knees. Today, my heart is heavy and my anguish is unimaginable. Like the biblical Rachael weeping for the death of her children, I have refused to be consoled.
On Monday, I received a call from Nigeria from a friend about Ms Nkechi Ngene[maiden name].Ms Ngene was 8 months pregnant, an unemployed mother of two minor children, and the wife of a man, that is known to his friends as Chico Chime- a motor cycle spare part dealer In Enugu..Both resides in Enugu GRA, and are from Akwuke Autonomous Community [Nkanu] in Enugu South LGA of Enugu State. On January 31, 2012, she confronted her husband about his incessant infidelity, and he responded by beating the crap out of her. Ms Ngene sustained various bruises, but worst was that she began to bleed profusely and uncontrollably. The unkindest cut of all was that her husband left her to die.
Abandoned on the cold floor helpless, in the full glare of their children, and life slowly but painfully slipping away from her, with her last breath she called a friend. She was rushed to the nearest hospital, and after two days of spirited medical help, she died as well as her unborn child.
Like most cowards, her husband has since gone into hiding, abandoning their minor children to the mercy of friends and family. The matter was first reported to Ogui Police Station, but referred to New Haven Police, the appropriate police station.
The matter has since been reported to the police and the National Human Rights Commission of Nigeria[NHRCN]-Enugu Office. However, I have been also informed that some so called big shots from Akwuke community and Enugu South LGA Chairman's Office are bringing pressure to bear on the Police and NHRCH -Enugu to drop their investigation!!!, so that the issue [double homicide]will be handle as a “family affair”.
It is against this background that i have come to you for assistance. Please re-post this message; contact the Nigeria Bar Association;Association of Women Lawyers and any Non-Governmental-Organization, the Commissioner of Police-Enugu State[Nigeria],National Human Rights Commission of Nigeria and any one that offer assistance in this matter. Ms Nkechi Ngene and her unborn child must not Die in Vain!!! Let us make a difference in another persons' life by breaking this CULTURE OF SILENCE.
Many Nigerian and African women have died in silence.
Domestic Violence is now a silent killer in our homes and lives. This is the time to take a stand and proclaim: NEVER AGAIN!
Let us honor Nkechi Ngene and her unborn child by our actions, and we must not allow members of the Akwueke Community nor those at the Enugu South LGA to sweep this matter under the rug. Double homicide is not a “family affair”, rather a CRIME.
It is my fervent wish that this matter will be given the urgency that it deserves. When evil men/women conspire, good men/women MUST congregate. The time for action is now! for the die is cast!
Now that this appeal has been made, the mercy of sleep which has long been denied me, can now be restored. That is my wish; that is my strength, and this is my consolation!
ALUTA CONTINUA!!
Attorney Ike Melchyesedech Ezekwu,Sr.