The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual violence Agency (DSVA) a couple of days ago received several distress calls, from concerned and well mea...
The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual violence Agency (DSVA) a couple of days ago received several distress calls, from concerned and well meaning residents wherein it was reported that a certain recently widowed woman(names withheld) was about to be forcefully ejected from her home by her late husband’s brothers.
The widow whose husband died on Tuesday January 10, 2023 had a toddler and was also pregnant as at the time of the incident.
Still to add, the widow was allegedly beaten in the process of trying to forcefully eject her from her home.
The Executive Secretary, DSVA, Mrs Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi assigned DSVA Field officers alongside officers of the police (Alausa Police Station) who were immediately dispatched to the home where the incident occured
A statement by Joke Ladenegan-Oginni for the DSVA said after series of engagements with the disputing parties they were able to restore peace even as an undertaken was made to ensure the widow and her child were safe in their home.
The statement expressed shock that in spite of their intervention, the agency received news of the widow’s r arrest on allegations that she is responsible for the murder of her husband and that she “stole” from her husband.
“It is rather unfortunate that since the day her husband was pronounced dead, she has not been able to mourn her husband in peace.
It is important to state that the relevant government agencies asides from DSVA, including Administrator General and Public Trustee, Office of Public Defender as well as the Lagos State Commisioner of Police have already gotten involved in this matter.
The widow, who is pregnant and has a toddler at home is being exposed to such,
The development took a new turn when on Thursday, men from Alagbon stormed her house , and allegedly arrested the widow on account of allegations levied against her by her late husband’s estranged brothers, allegations bordering on her having a hand in the death of the husband and also stealing.
The statement said officers of DSVA met her at the Station and were informed that those were the allegations the officers of Alagbon were investigating. As at 9:00pm she was informed she had to get sureties and serious conditions were attached.
Meanwhile they informed her that they would close by 9:30 pm. Appearing to be a deliberate attempt that she would sleep in the station
The agency call on all well meaning Nigerians, Women groups, Journalists to speak up for this pregnant widow and her toddler.
"It is pertinent to note that while customs and traditions are respected, we reiterate that the relevant laws in Lagos State must be upheld".
"We use this medium to commend all the well meaning residents of Lagos who insisted that justice must prevail showing that ensuring the menace of Domestic Violence is a Collective responsibility"
Executive Secretary, DSVA reassured residents of Lagos State that Governor Sanwo- Olu’s administration is committed to a Lagos that is free from all forms of Domestic and Sexual Violence.
We encourage anyone experiencing domestic or sexual violence to reach out on our toll free line- 08000-333-333, we are accessible any day, any time, Vivour- Adeniyi said.
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