The Anambra State government, through the Ministry of Women and Social Welfare, has taken swift action in a disturbing case of domestic violence involving a 75-year-old patriarch, Romanus Obidigwe. The ministry, led by Commissioner Hon. Ify Obinabo, has arrested Romanus’s wife, Esther Obidigwe, along with their two children, Ozioma and Obuka Obidigwe, for allegedly assaulting the elderly man in what has been described as a long-standing pattern of abuse. This arrest followed Romanus’s desperate plea for help, prompting the intervention of the ministry.
Romanus Obidigwe, a retired senior civil servant, recounted his ordeal during a session at the ministry’s office. According to him, the incident that led to their arrest was just one of many abusive encounters he had endured at the hands of his own family. On this particular occasion, the conflict began when his daughter, Ozioma, sold some of his firewood without seeking his permission. When he confronted her to inquire why she had done so, things quickly escalated. He claimed that his wife, Esther, and their two children joined forces to attack him. They tied him up, rendering him helpless, and proceeded to beat him with a rod, inflicting injuries on his frail body.
As if the physical abuse wasn’t enough, Romanus revealed that his family had also been neglecting him by denying him food. He said he had come to accept this neglect as a cruel twist of fate, enduring it in silence. But his story didn’t end there—he accused his son, Obuka, of stealing from him, particularly after he had gone to the local government office to claim his father’s retirement benefits without Romanus’s knowledge. The elderly man’s bitter lament underscored the deep betrayal he felt from the people who were supposed to be his closest support system.
Romanus, who had spent years trying to maintain peace in his household, said that the tension within his family had been simmering for decades. One of the most shocking revelations from his testimony was that his wife, Esther, had imposed a “no sexual relationship” rule since the year 2000—a rule he had adhered to for the sake of peace in the home. Despite his attempts to avoid confrontation, the situation spiraled out of control, culminating in physical violence. According to Romanus, the situation had reached a point where a neighbor had to intervene during the latest assault. Afterward, the family locked him out of his own compound, further deepening the sense of alienation and humiliation he had been enduring.
When authorities questioned the family about the incident, the responses varied. His son, Obuka, denied any involvement in the physical assault, claiming he wasn’t even present at the time. However, Esther, his wife, admitted to the crime, acknowledging her role in the abuse. Their daughter, Ozioma, offered a conflicting account, alleging that her father’s actions had provoked her response, though she did not specify what exactly had triggered the violence.
The Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Hon. Ify Obinabo, was visibly outraged by the details of the case. During a press briefing, she expressed her deep concern over the brutal treatment meted out to the elderly man by his own family. Hon. Obinabo vowed to ensure that justice would be served, stating that such behavior would not be tolerated in Anambra State. She emphasized that the administration is committed to protecting the rights of the oppressed and would take every necessary measure to hold the offenders accountable.
In her address, Hon. Obinabo also reminded the public that the Ministry of Women and Social Welfare is not only concerned with issues affecting women and children but is dedicated to the welfare of all citizens, particularly the vulnerable and marginalized members of society. She issued a stern warning to those who engage in criminal activities, urging them to desist as the current administration is resolute in its mission to secure justice for victims of all forms of abuse and maltreatment.
As of the time of this report, Esther Obidigwe and her children, Ozioma and Obuka, have been handed over to the police for further investigation. The police are expected to interrogate them regarding the allegations, after which they will be formally charged and arraigned in court. The ministry has assured the public that it will closely monitor the legal proceedings to ensure that the case is prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
This case serves as a sobering reminder of the alarming rates of domestic violence, particularly elder abuse, which often goes unreported in many communities. It also highlights the critical role that government agencies and social welfare institutions play in safeguarding the rights of the vulnerable. As the state pushes forward with its commitment to justice, the outcome of this case will likely send a strong message to perpetrators of abuse that their actions will not go unpunished.
In a society where family bonds are traditionally held sacred, this case of familial violence is both tragic and disheartening. The intervention of the Ministry of Women and Social Welfare offers a glimmer of hope that Romanus Obidigwe, after years of suffering in silence, may finally find the justice and peace he deserves. It also reinforces the importance of vigilance and community involvement in cases of abuse, as it was a concerned neighbor who ultimately helped save Romanus from further harm.
