By Chinedum Treasure
Hundreds of women from Umuenwelum Anam in Anambra West LGA of Anambra State staged a peaceful protest over the controversial death of Mrs. Anthonia Chisom Okafor in Lagos.
Operating under the Umuada Umuenwelum group, the women marched to the husband’s family home at Umungwuoba kindred, Umualor village, demanding clarity and accountability over her death.
The 26-year-old reportedly died on April 9, 2026, shortly after childbirth.
However, reports of alleged body mutilation and conflicting accounts raised suspicion within the community.
Dressed in black and carrying green leaves, the protesters described their mission as a demand for justice. Tensions rose when they met the family compound locked, with no one available to address them.
“We came peacefully for answers but were met with silence,” a protester said.
The group’s leader, Mrs. Theresa Igwenma, said the protest reflects a growing concern, alleging that about 26 women from the community had died under questionable circumstances in their matrimonial homes.
“We refuse to remain silent. This is about justice and preventing further tragedies,” she said.
The women rejected reported traditional oath-taking by the husband, insisting key stakeholders were excluded.
Civil society organisations, including All Nation Arise and Manifest (ANAM Initiative) and Ada Akataka Foundation, backed the protest, calling for a thorough investigation into the death and broader issues of maternal care and post-mortem handling.
They urged relevant authorities to ensure accountability and better protection for women.
Tags:
Anambra protest, women rights Nigeria, suspicious deaths, marital deaths, maternal health Nigeria, justice for women, Anambra news, Umuada, domestic violence awareness, Nigeria society
