February 06, (THEWILL) – A coalition of women-led organisations in Bayelsa State has condemned the brutal treatment of a 71-year-old widow, Madam Sudinah Andrew, allegedly chained to a pole by vigilante members in Korokorosei community, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area.
The women’s groups, who visited the hospital where the elderly woman is receiving treatment, have called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the degrading act.
Madam Andrew was reportedly dragged through the market square and tied to a pole last week, a move that sparked outrage among activists and civil rights groups in the state.
Speaking on behalf of the coalition, the leader of the Do Foundation team, Barr. Dise Goddy Harry, decried the inhumane treatment meted out to the widow, urging the Nigerian police and the state government to intervene.
“We were told that she was dragged through the market and tied like a common criminal. This is a clear violation of her fundamental human rights. No belief or culture is above the Nigerian constitution. We are calling on the authorities to investigate this incident and bring the perpetrators to justice,” she stated.
She also urged traditional rulers and community leaders to abolish harmful cultural practices that endanger women and children.
Other members of the coalition present at the hospital visit included the Vice Chairperson of the Dise Ogbise Foundation, Selekere Preye; the Team Lead of End Violence Against Women and Children, Tari Youdubagha; Hon. Joy Salo of the Friday Konyefa Foundation; Prince Osain of Okpoitari Diongoli; Lady Stella Doumo of the Kosiate Boy Child Foundation; and Rev. Mrs. Roseline Egbesu of the Women Wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria (South-South).
Speaking on behalf of the Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations of Nigeria (FOMWAN), Bayelsa State Chapter, Hajia Balikis described the assault as an injustice to all women.
“You are our mother, and what they did to you is wrong. This is a disgrace to every woman, and we will not be silent,” she said.
The widow’s younger brother, ThankGod Bukuromo Andrew, expressed shock over the incident, describing it as a humiliation to their entire family.
“We were shocked to hear that she was paraded through the community. If we had reacted violently, there could have been a crisis. Instead, we chose to seek justice through the police and women’s organisations,” he said.
He further revealed that the widow was falsely accused of attempting to attack her niece with a machete and was ordered to pay ₦50,000, with a threat of 50 strokes of the cane.
Her son, Dr. Ebimobotei Mao Bunu, also lamented the ordeal, saying he found his mother tied to a pole with chains while elderly women in the community sat nearby playing draft, seemingly unbothered by her suffering.
“If I had taken the law into my own hands, it would have escalated into a crisis. Now, they are trying to paint us as troublemakers,” he said.
The coalition vowed to continue pushing for justice, warning that failure to prosecute the perpetrators would set a dangerous precedent for women’s rights in the state.
Amos Okioma is a Correspondent at THEWILL
