Hundreds of women from Umuenwelum community in Anambra West Local Government Area of Anambra State staged a peaceful protest over the controversial death of one of their daughters, Mrs. Anthonia Chisom Okafor, in Lagos.
The protesters, under the umbrella of Umuada Umuenwelum, gathered from different locations within and outside the State. They marched to the residence of the deceased’s husband’s family in Umungwuoba kindred, describing their visit as both a fact-finding mission and an opportunity to present their demands.
Mrs. Okafor, aged 26, reportedly died on April 3, 2026, shortly after childbirth. However, her death has raised serious concerns following reports of visible injuries on her body and what the community described as conflicting accounts from her husband, Mr. Izuchukwu Okafor.
Dressed in black and holding green leaves symbols of justice in Igbo tradition the women demanded transparency and accountability regarding the circumstances surrounding her death.
Upon arrival at the family compound, the protesters found the premises locked, with no family members present to receive them. This development angered the group, who expressed disappointment at what they described as a lack of response.
Frustrated by the silence, the women reportedly invoked traditional curses on anyone found responsible and continued their protest through the community before concluding at the village square, where further traditional rites were performed.
Speaking during the protest, the group’s leader, Mrs. Theresa Igwenma, said the demonstration was part of a broader concern over recurring incidents.
According to her, about 26 women from the community have died under questionable circumstances in their matrimonial homes, with little or no action taken in many cases.
She stressed that the protest was not only about seeking justice for the deceased but also about preventing similar incidents in the future.
Igwenma also revealed that a traditional oath-taking had been conducted involving the deceased’s husband, but the women rejected the process, stating that it excluded key stakeholders, particularly the daughters of the community.
In a statement, the group raised concerns about the circumstances of the woman’s death, including delays in informing her family, restricted access to her body, and the condition in which her remains were eventually seen.
They called for a full and transparent investigation into the events surrounding her death, from the time it occurred to how her body was handled.
The women emphasized that daughters of the community must not be treated negligently in marriage, healthcare, or even in death.
Civil society organisations, including All Nation Arise and Manifest (ANAM Initiative) and the Ada Akataka Foundation, also expressed support for the protesters and the bereaved family.
In a joint statement, the groups called for accountability, noting that the case raises serious concerns about maternal healthcare, handling of remains, and respect for human dignity.
They urged relevant authorities, including the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, to investigate the matter thoroughly and strengthen systems to prevent negligence and abuse.
Meanwhile, a source from the deceased’s family disclosed that earlier efforts were made to persuade the protesting women to allow traditional processes to proceed. However, the group rejected the appeal, insisting that tradition should not be used to conceal the truth.
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