Anambra Governor’s Wife, Nonye Soludo, Vows Justice for Woman Burnt Alive by Husband
Nonye Soludo, the wife of the Anambra State Governor, has promised to ensure that justice is served for Chioma Nwaka, a mother of five who was tragically set ablaze by her husband, Sunday Nwaka, in Abagana, Njikoka Local Government Area. Mrs. Soludo, a vocal advocate for women’s rights and founder of the Healthy Living Initiative, condemned the incident in strong terms and committed to following the case closely until its conclusion.
Speaking to journalists on Wednesday in Awka, Mrs. Soludo revealed that she had directed immediate action upon learning about the horrific incident. “I saw the viral incident and directed an immediate visit to the scene. I have received detailed reports from the Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Mrs. Ify Obinabo, and her Health counterpart, Dr. Afam Obidike, who visited the scene. I will ensure that this case is followed closely until justice is served,” she stated.
The gruesome incident, which occurred on Tuesday, was captured in a viral social media video showing the victim, Chioma Nwaka, fleeing for her life with severe third-degree burns across her body. Eyewitnesses reported that the tragedy stemmed from a domestic misunderstanding. In a fit of rage, her husband, Sunday Nwaka, poured fuel on her and set her on fire.
Neighbours and passersby rushed to extinguish the flames, but the damage had already been done. Chioma was taken to a medical facility in Enugwu-Ukwu, Njikoka Local Government Area, where she eventually succumbed to her injuries at around 3 a.m. on Wednesday. The suspect, Sunday Nwaka, has since been arrested and is expected to face prosecution for the heinous crime.
Describing the incident as “gruesome and evil,” Mrs. Soludo expressed deep sorrow over the increasing cases of domestic violence and abuse in homes. She urged a collective societal effort to address these alarming trends, calling for systemic reforms to tackle the root causes, including drug abuse and other contributing factors.
“The state government considers domestic violence and abuse as serious crimes, and no one who is found guilty of such offences will walk free,” Mrs. Soludo declared. She emphasized that stronger laws, community awareness, and government-backed initiatives are crucial to preventing such tragedies in the future.
Mrs. Soludo highlighted the need for holistic solutions to address the underlying social problems that often lead to domestic violence. She noted that drug use and related issues frequently play a role in fueling violent behaviors. She urged communities, families, and stakeholders to work together in combating these societal ills, ensuring that women and vulnerable individuals are better protected.
The Anambra State Government, under Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration, has prioritized issues of domestic violence and abuse. Mrs. Soludo reassured the public that perpetrators of such acts will face the full weight of the law. She also called for continuous awareness campaigns to educate the public about the dangers of domestic violence, as well as the need to report such incidents early to prevent further harm.
The tragic death of Chioma Nwaka has sparked outrage and calls for action across the state and beyond. Activists and community leaders have joined the governor’s wife in demanding justice for Chioma and calling for stricter measures to protect women from abuse. The incident serves as a grim reminder of the urgency needed to address domestic violence and create a safer environment for all.
Mrs. Soludo’s promise to pursue justice for Chioma resonates as a beacon of hope for victims of domestic violence. The ongoing case is a crucial step in sending a strong message that such heinous acts will not be tolerated in Anambra State.
