Burnt woman: Soludo’s wife, rights activist seek justice, anti-femicide legislation

The wife of Anambra State governor, Dr Nonye Soludo, and a United Nations (UN) stakeholder, Ify Aronu-Okafor, have called for justice over the gruesome murder of a woman in Anambra State, allegedly by her husband.

The suspect, Sunday Nwanna, reportedly poured fuel on his wife, Chioma Nwanna, following an altercation over alleged infidelity at Eziezekwe Avenue, Abagana, Njikoka Local Council. Chioma succumbed to her injuries at a hospital at about 3:00 a.m. on Tuesday.

A viral video captured the traumatised woman lamenting, “Ije di egbue mu” (Sad experience of my marriage).

The Anambra State Police Command spokesperson, Toochukwu Ikenga, confirmed that the suspect turned himself in and is in custody, facing charges of homicide.

Soludo’s wife, who was briefed on the incident by the Commissioner for Women and Children Affairs, Mrs Ify Obinabo, and her health counterpart, Dr Afam Obidike, assured the public that justice would be served.

She directed the commissioners to visit the crime scene and provide updates on the matter.

Aronu-Okafor, a human rights advocate and UN Inter-Agency Representative, compared Chioma’s death to that of the late gospel singer Osinachi Nwachukwu, highlighting the devastating impact on the children left behind.

She decried the absence of specific legislation addressing femicide in Nigeria, which she said leads to underreporting and misclassification of cases.

Aronu-Okafor revealed that nine femicide cases were recorded in September 2024 across several states, including Anambra.

She stressed the need for proactive measures, including counselling units and support initiatives for women facing domestic threats. She urged women in abusive relationships to seek safety, adding that remaining in such situations often leads to tragic outcomes.

Aronu-Okafor commended the governor’s wife for her intervention and called for urgent action to address gender-based violence in Nigeria.