In a compassionate show of support, Abia First Lady Priscilla Chidinma Otti Sunday paid a visit to Mrs. Amarachi Okpokiri, a survivor of a brutal assault by her husband, who allegedly attacked her in a ritual-motivated attempt to gouge out her eyes. The attack left Amarachi with severe machete wounds, sparking public outrage.
The visit took place at the palace of HRM Eze Allen Okpokiri, Amarachi’s uncle, where Mrs. Otti expressed her deep gratitude to God for the miraculous recovery of Amarachi’s eyesight.
Speaking, Mrs. Otti noted that the visit Is her second, aimed at assessing Amarachi’s condition and exploring further avenues to assist her in rebuilding her life. She reassured the family that the Abia State Government remains committed to helping Amarachi find sustainable means of livelihood and pledged her support to enable her to start a business.
Mrs. Otti also stated that the perpetrators of this violent act are facing the full force of the law, reinforcing the administration’s zero-tolerance approach to gender-based violence, adding, “Justice will be served, and no such crime will go unpunished under this administration”.
Mrs. Otti emphasized that the Abia State Government is taking stronger steps to combat gender-based violence and revealed that the committee responsible for protecting vulnerable groups is being reinforced, with a renewed focus on ensuring swift justice for such perpetrators.
“Abia State will be a hostile environment for anyone involved in gender-based violence, particularly against women and children,” she declared, reaffirming the government’s commitment to safeguarding its citizens.
Mrs. Otti outlined several strategies in the fight against gender-based violence, including increased public awareness campaigns, the establishment of more safe houses for victims, and the provision of legal and psychological support for survivors, stressing the importance of community engagement, urging traditional leaders, local authorities, and civil society organizations to work together in reporting cases and preventing abuse at the grassroots level. Additionally, efforts to train law enforcement officers to handle such cases with sensitivity and urgency are being prioritized to ensure justice is served promptly.
In addition, she urged the traditional ruler HRM Eze Allen Okpokiri, Ede II of Emede Accent Kingdom to take a proactive stance on the matter, while encouraging him to use his influence to ensure that such issues are eradicated, reinforcing the government’s call for community leaders to play a key role in curbing these incidents at the grassroots level.
In her heartfelt response, Miss Amarachi Okpokiri expressed immense gratitude to Mrs. Otti for her continued care and intervention. She recalled how the First Lady ensured her medical bills were covered, constantly monitored her recovery, and personally visited to check on her progress. “You have been my pillar of support. May God continue to bless and guide you,” Amarachi said with tears of gratitude.
In their separate remarks, Mrs. Betty Emeka-Obasi, Administrator of Eye Specialist in Abia State, Special Adviser on Women Mobilization, Mrs. Chinwe Onyeukwu, and the Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection, Mrs. Ngozi Felix Blessing, expressed their gratitude to the wife of the Governor for her unwavering support for victims of gender-based violence. They commended her commitment to championing the rights of the vulnerable, particularly in ensuring timely interventions and sustained care for those affected.
Adding to the commendations, the Edeukwu II of Emede Ancient Kingdom, HRM Eze Allen Okpokiri, extended his heartfelt appreciation to Mrs. Otti, highlighting that her visit was a testament to the compassionate leadership in Abia.
“Your actions today demonstrate that the right government is in power. The righteous are in leadership, and it is evident through your commitment to justice, compassion, and service. The people are rejoicing because they see the care and dedication you bring,” he remarked.
In addition to her comforting words, Mrs. Otti offered some financial gifts to Amarachi to not only address her immediate needs but also offer long-term support to those in need.
