Uzodimma Orders Probe into Widow Forced to Drink ‘Corpse Water’ in Imo

By Micheal Chukwuebuka

The Imo State Government has condemned the shocking incident in Awo-Omamma, Oru East Local Government Area, where a widow was allegedly forced to drink water used to bathe her late husband’s corpse after being accused of killing him.

Governor Hope Uzodimma described the act as “barbaric, cruel, and completely unacceptable in a civilised society.” He has ordered a full-scale investigation into the matter, warning that anyone found culpable will face the full weight of the law.

The widow, identified as Mrs Chika Ndubuisi, was reportedly locked inside an ambulance with her husband’s body by his relatives, who allegedly tried to make her drink the “corpse water” to prove her innocence.

The incident was halted after the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Chief (Mrs) Nkechi Ugwu, intervened with the support of security agencies and the Oru East Local Government Chairman, following alerts from women’s advocacy groups including the Onurube Coalition, Virgin Heart Foundation, and Harsco Global Media.

Chief Ugwu confirmed that Mrs Ndubuisi and her children have been rescued and are now under government protection, while several suspects have been apprehended.

The Ministry of Women Affairs has launched a full investigation to ensure justice is served.

Governor Uzodimma reaffirmed his administration’s zero tolerance for dehumanising widowhood practices, stressing that the state would not condone any act that undermines the dignity of women or the rule of law.