A disturbing report alleging that military widows in Nigeria’s Kebbi State were subjected to sexual harassment by top military officers in order to receive their late husbands’ benefits has been categorically denied by the Military Widows Association (MIWA) in the state. This denial comes in response to claims that were published on several online platforms, which the association’s state coordinator, Hajiya Asmau Noma, has described as entirely false, misleading, and lacking any basis in truth.
Speaking to journalists in Birnin Kebbi, Noma expressed her shock and disappointment at the circulating report, emphasizing that it does not reflect the experiences or stance of the MIWA in Kebbi State. She made it clear that at no point did the association or its members raise such allegations against the military higher command. Instead, Noma and the members of MIWA have distanced themselves completely from the report, urging the public to disregard it as it bears no truth to their interactions with military authorities.
Noma provided clarity on the process of accessing death benefits, explaining that the procedure can vary depending on the specific unit in which the deceased officer served. This, she emphasized, does not involve any form of harassment or strenuous process for the widows. “We don’t go through any strenuous process before receiving what is due to us,” she assured, aiming to reassure both the public and the widows themselves that their entitlements are processed in a respectful and orderly manner.
The denial by MIWA, Kebbi State chapter, highlights the importance of verifying information, especially when it pertains to sensitive and serious allegations such as sexual harassment. It also underscores the commitment of the association to maintaining a truthful and respectful dialogue with both its members and the wider public. By addressing the report directly and clearly, MIWA aims to prevent unnecessary distress and misinformation, ensuring that the focus remains on supporting the widows and their families through the benefits and services they are entitled to.
