● Ferdy Agu
The Enugu State Government has arrested a man, Mr. Sunday Echegi, for allegedly chopping off his wife’s hand in a case of domestic violence. The incident, which involved Mrs. Chinonso Loveth Echegi, has sparked outrage, with the government emphasizing its zero-tolerance policy for domestic and gender-based violence.
The wife of the perpetrator, Mrs. Echegi, is currently receiving medical attention at a top hospital in the state capital. This development was disclosed by the Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs, and Social Development, Mrs. Ngozi Enih, on Tuesday morning.
Speaking on the incident, Mrs. Enih revealed that the suspect, who hails from Ibagwa Ani in Nsukka Local Government Area, allegedly attacked his wife during a domestic quarrel. “This is yet another sad development, which we are following up with to ensure that justice is done,” she said.
Providing further details, Mrs. Enih explained that the man initially aimed for his wife’s head with a machete during the altercation. “The information we have is that the man in question aimed for the wife’s head during a disagreement but ended up chopping off the left hand with which she tried to fend off the machete. She also sustained an injury on the right hand,” the commissioner said.
The state government swiftly intervened upon learning of the incident. “We swung into action immediately we got the information and had him arrested immediately. He is now in police custody,” Mrs. Enih confirmed. She added that the priority was saving the victim’s life, which necessitated her transfer to Enugu State University Teaching Hospital, Parklane, for urgent medical care.
The case has drawn the attention of Her Excellency, Mrs. Nkechinyere Mbah, the wife of the state governor, who has vowed to ensure justice is served. “This is a case the government is taking very seriously. Her Excellency is personally on this gruesome matter and has vowed that justice must be served,” Mrs. Enih stated.
The suspect is expected to be transferred to the Police Force Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Enugu for a thorough investigation. “From there, the law will take its full course,” the commissioner assured.
In a stern warning, Mrs. Enih reiterated the government’s commitment to eradicating domestic violence and child abuse in the state. “I want to remind all residents of Enugu to refrain from all manner of domestic and gender-based violence as well as child abuse, as the Mbah Administration would never take such lying low,” she declared.
The administration of Governor Peter Mbah has made the fight against gender-based violence and child abuse a cornerstone of its policies. Since its inception, numerous offenders have been arrested, investigated, and are undergoing trial for various related offences.
The government’s swift response to this latest incident underscores its unwavering stance on ensuring the safety and protection of vulnerable groups in the state. Mrs. Enih expressed hope that the victim would recover fully and reiterated the administration’s determination to deliver justice in this case. GMTNewsng
