Chinenye Okonkwo, a 37-year-old widow from Umuodiogu, Umunakwa Ifite, Oraifite, Anambra State, is calling for the intervention of Anambra State governor, Chukwuma Soludo, after being evicted from her late husband’s compound by his brother.
During an emotional appeal to journalists, Chinenye disclosed the financial strain she faces, having been forced to rent a new apartment and to provide for her five children’s schooling and living expenses since her expulsion from the family property.
The widow shared the distressing events that led to her eviction, recounting how her late husband’s brother, Boniface Okonkwo, unlawfully took possession of blocks her husband had molded to construct his own house. When she confronted him, Boniface callously claimed that he would use the blocks to build another house for her when she was ready. To exacerbate the situation, both Boniface and another elder brother advised her to remarry and vacate the premises, exacerbating her struggle to meet the financial demands of her family.
Despite seeking assistance from the widows association and community leaders, Chinenye’s brother-in-law persistently disregarded her pleas, prompting community leaders to denounce his actions during a press briefing. The Chairman of Umuodiogu kindred, Mr. Francis Okafor, publicly condemned the wrongful actions, confirming that the community has intervened and facilitated the arrest of Mr. Boniface Okonkwo.
The Anambra State Police Command’s spokesperson, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Tochukwu Ikenga, affirmed the detention of Boniface Okonkwo, emphasizing that investigative efforts are underway prior to his arraignment.
Chinenye’s desperate situation and the community’s swift response to her plight underscore the urgent need for official intervention to ensure justice and support for vulnerable individuals facing similar challenges. The call for Governor Soludo’s intervention resonates with the broader societal issue of vulnerable people facing property-related injustices, making this a matter of public interest deserving immediate attention and resolution.