- The widow was accused of wielding a cutlass against her daughter during a dispute
Public outrage erupted after a viral video showed a 71-year-old widow, Madam Sudinah Andrew, chained to a pole at a market square in Korokorosei, Bayelsa State, by local vigilantes.
According to the End Violence Against Women and Children (EVAWC), the incident occurred on 28 January. The widow was accused of wielding a cutlass against her daughter during a dispute, but investigations later found the claims to be false.
Reports suggest that members of the vigilante group had a prior grudge against her for instigating their arrest last year over alleged harassment. Witnesses say the group, led by Opukiri Ogbe and CDC Chairman Ayibaditon Fiokorighe, demanded ₦50,000 or 55 strokes of the cane for her release.
She was eventually freed after her family petitioned the police and rights groups. The widow is now receiving medical care in Yenagoa, where she described her ordeal as dehumanising.
Women’s rights activists have condemned the incident, calling for a thorough police investigation and justice for the victim.
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