An artisan identified as Lawrence from Bende LGA, residing in Umueze, Umuahia North LGA of Abia State, has been arrested for allegedly attempting to gouge out his wife’s eyes in what is believed to be a ritualistic attack. The shocking incident has sent waves of fear and outrage through the community.
Lawrence, a dealer in aluminum, reportedly launched a brutal attack on his wife, Amarachi Lawrence, while she was asleep, inflicting severe injuries to her eyes, head, and hands. The attack, which took place in the early hours of the morning, left the victim in critical condition.
According to sources, Lawrence had been living peacefully with his wife, whom he married from Atta Emede Ibeku, until a recent change in behavior following his return from a prayer house in Aba. This sudden shift culminated in the horrific assault that nearly cost his wife her life.
The alarm was raised by the couple’s landlady, Mrs. Lovejane Nwaiwu, who was awakened by Amarachi’s screams for help. When she attempted to intervene, she was met with a violent machete attack from Lawrence, resulting in severe injuries, including the loss of her upper lip and deep cuts to her hands.
The commotion drew the attention of local youths from Umueze, who quickly apprehended Lawrence and handed him over to the police for further investigation and prosecution.
In response to the incident, Priscilla Otti, the wife of the Abia State Governor, visited the victims at the Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia. Mrs. Otti condemned the attack and called on legal and security institutions to swiftly implement measures to protect women and girls from gender-based violence. She made cash donations to Mrs. Amarachi Lawrence to support her treatment and vowed that all those involved in the attempted murder would face justice.
Mrs. Otti also praised the quick intervention of the traditional ruler of Emede Ibeku, Eze Allen Okpokiri, and the youths of Umueze and Emede communities for their swift action in bringing the assailant to justice. She reiterated her commitment to combating gender-based violence in Abia State.
As of the time of filing this report, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP Maureen Chinaka, had yet to confirm whether the suspect remains in police custody.
