In a shocking development, the Anambra State Ministry of Women and Social Welfare has taken action against Esther Obidigwe and her two children, Ozioma Obidigwe and Obuka Obidigwe, for allegedly assaulting their elderly father, Romanus Obidigwe.
The arrests follow a complaint lodged by the 75-year-old victim with the ministry, reports Daily Independent.
Romanus Obidigwe, a retired senior civil servant, reported that his family has repeatedly subjected him to physical abuse.
The latest incident, he explained, occurred after his daughter Ozioma sold his firewood without his permission.
When he confronted her about the sale, he was attacked by his children. They allegedly tied him up and used a rod to inflict injuries.
Obidigwe also disclosed that his family had stopped providing him with food, which he reluctantly accepted as a part of his misfortune.
He further claimed that his eldest son, Obuka, had even attempted to claim his retirement benefits fraudulently at the local government office.
The elder Obidigwe expressed his sorrow, stating that he had refrained from any sexual relations with his wife since 2000 in an effort to maintain peace within the family.
He also mentioned that the abuse only ceased after a neighbor intervened, although his family subsequently locked him out of their home.
When questioned, Obuka denied involvement in the assault, while his wife Esther admitted to the attack. Ozioma, the daughter, claimed the incident was a result of her father’s actions against her.
Hon. Ify Obinabo, the Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, expressed her outrage over the incident and vowed to ensure that justice is served. She emphasized that the ministry’s mandate extends beyond women and children to encompass the social welfare of all citizens.
The accused family members have been handed over to the police for further investigation and legal action. The Ministry of Women and Social Welfare remains committed to fighting such crimes and protecting the rights of vulnerable individuals in the state.
