This sad incident took place recently in Enugu State, Nigeria. Attorney Ike Melchyesedech Ezekwu Sr, who has been in communication with various victims of domestic violence in Enugu as well as other parts of Nigeria, has requested for his email below to be published.
My dear friends,
I come before you humble, with my head bowed and on bended knees. Today, my heart is heavy and my anguish is unimaginable. Like the biblical Rachael weeping for the death of her children, I have refused to be consoled.
On Monday, I received a call from Nigeria from a friend about Ms Nkechi Ngene [maiden name]. Ms Ngene was 8 months pregnant, an unemployed mother of two minor children, and the wife of a man, that is known to his friends as Chico Chime- a motor cycle spare part dealer in Enugu. Both reside in Enugu GRA and are from Akwuke Autonomous Community [Nkanu] in Enugu South LGA of Enugu State. On January 31, 2012, she confronted her husband about his incessant infidelity, and he responded by beating the crap out of her. Ms Ngene sustained various bruises, but worst was that she began to bleed profusely and uncontrollably. The unkindest cut of all was that her husband left her to die.
Abandoned on the cold floor helpless, in the full glare of their children, and life slowly but painfully slipping away from her, with her last breath she called a friend. She was rushed to the nearest hospital and after two days of spirited medical help, she died as well as her unborn child.
Like most cowards, her husband has since gone into hiding, abandoning their minor children to the mercy of friends and family. The matter was first reported to Ogui Police Station, but referred to New Haven Police, the appropriate police station.
The matter has since been reported to the police and the National Human Rights Commission of Nigeria [NHRCN] -Enugu Office. However, I have also been informed that some so called big shots from Akwuke community and Enugu South LGA Chairman's Office are bringing pressure to bear on the Police and NHRCH-Enugu to drop their investigation!!!, so that the issue [double homicide] will be handled as a “family affair”.
It is against this background that i have come to you for assistance. Please re-post this message; contact the Nigeria Bar Association; Association of Women Lawyers and any Non-Governmental-Organization, the Commissioner of Police-Enugu State [Nigeria], National Human Rights Commission of Nigeria and any one that offers assistance on this matter. Ms Nkechi Ngene and her unborn child must not Die in Vain!!! Let us make a difference in another person's life by breaking this CULTURE OF SILENCE.
Many Nigerian and African women have died in silence. Domestic Violence is now a silent killer in our homes and lives. This is the time to take a stand and proclaim: NEVER AGAIN!
Let us honor Nkechi Ngene and her unborn child by our actions, and we must not allow members of the Akwueke Community nor those at the Enugu South LGA to sweep this matter under the rug. Double homicide is not a “family affair”, rather a CRIME.
It is my fervent wish that this matter will be given the urgency that it deserves. When evil men/women conspire, good men/women MUST congregate. The time for action is now! for the die is cast!
Now that this appeal has been made, the mercy of sleep which has long been denied me, can now be restored. That is my wish; that is my strength, and this is my consolation!
ALUTA CONTINUA!!
Attorney Ike Melchyesedech Ezekwu,Sr.
