The Anambra State government through the state Ministry of Women and Social Welfare has waded into the case of a widow, identified as Amarachi Anakor, whose in-laws planned to bury her late husband inside a forest.
The development came following a complaint made to the ministry by the widow, whose late husband is identified as Chike.
Amarachi had alleged that her father-in-law, Obi, and the brother-in-law, Vincent, had refused to allow her to bury her late husband in the compound, but instead asked that the deceased be buried in the forest.
This development was disclosed to journalists in a press statement issued by Chidinmma Ikeanyionwu, the media aide to the Anambra State Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Ify Obinabo, on Thursday.
The statement read, “Amarachi, though a native of Ifitedunu Local Government Area but married in Umunya in Oyi Local Government Area of the state noted that her in-laws were the first she notified of her husband’s death but got the biggest shock of her life when they told her that her husband was stripped off his rights when he was alive, hence won’t be buried in the compound.
“After she complained to the Office of the Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, both families were invited alongside the kingsmen and a resolution was made after the meeting where the Anakor family were given seven days to fix a date for the burial of late Chike Anakor.
“The widow, during the panel’s sitting, informed the ministry that she had earlier that day lost her daughter which is tough for her to bear.
“Although the representative of the Anakor family, Vincent, rejected the resolution of the state Ministry of Women Affairs, the ministry with the support of the Umuosegbu kindred in Ajakpani Umunya led by Mr Chukwujekwu Olie has fixed Friday, November 10, 2023 for the burial of late Chike.”
According to the statement, the Commissioner, represented by her Special Assistant, Blessing Nweke, condemned the act and stated that the administration of Chukwuma Soludo does not condone any form of rascality and injustice against women and called on the defaulting parties to embrace peace and bury the dead.
Obinabo further warned that the state will not tolerate any kind of inhumane act against women and children and urged that anyone involved in such should desist forthwith or face the law.
