In a shocking and distressing incident, a 71-year-old widow, Madam Sudinah Andrew, was chained to a pole at the Market Square in Korokorosei Community, Bayelsa State, last week. In addition to this public humiliation, she was reportedly fined N50,000 and threatened with 50 strokes of the cane. The incident has sparked outrage, particularly from women’s rights groups, who have condemned the actions of the community vigilante group involved.
Madam Andrew’s younger brother, Mr. ThankGod Bukuromo Andrew, shared details of the event during a visit to the hospital, where his sister is currently receiving treatment. He explained that his sister had been falsely accused of attempting to harm her niece with a machete. In response, members of the vigilante group, without any formal legal process, demanded that the family pay a fine of N50,000 and threatened her with corporal punishment.
“She was accused falsely that she was caught trying to machete her niece, and we were asked to pay N50,000. She was also threatened with 50 strokes of the cane,” Mr. Andrew disclosed.
This troubling incident occurred in the Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa, when members of the local vigilante group took matters into their own hands. Instead of following legal procedures, they subjected Madam Andrew to public embarrassment, chaining her to a pole in front of the market, which led to widespread outrage and condemnation from women-led groups in the state.
A coalition of women organizations in Bayelsa, including leaders from various advocacy groups, visited Madam Andrew at the hospital to express their support. These groups were united in their call for justice, demanding that the individuals responsible for the wrongful act be held accountable for their actions.
The coalition included prominent figures such as Selekere Preye, Vice Chairperson of the Dise Ogbise Foundation; Tari Youdubagha, Team Lead of the End Violence Against Women and Children (EVAWC); Hon. Joy Salo of the Friday Konyefa Foundation; Prince Osain of Okpoitari Diongoli; Lady Stella Doumo of the Kosiate Boy Child Foundation; and Reverend Mrs. Roseline Egbesu of the Women Wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria (South-South).
One of the leaders, Barr. Dise Goddy Harry, expressed the group’s concern over the incident, stating that it was a severe violation of Madam Andrew’s fundamental human rights. She urged the Nigerian Police and Bayelsa State Government to intervene and investigate the matter thoroughly.
“We were told that she was dragged through the market square and tied to a pole like a common criminal. We are calling on the Bayelsa State Government and the Nigerian Police to investigate the incident,” Barr. Harry said during the visit.
She further emphasized that the actions of the vigilante group were a direct infringement on Madam Andrew’s rights and condemned the group for acting outside the law. “There is no belief or culture that is above the Nigerian constitution. As a woman, we stand by you,” Barr. Harry added, stressing the need for a fair and just response to the incident.
Barr. Harry also called on traditional rulers and community leaders to reconsider certain customs and beliefs that may be harmful to the well-being of women and children. She urged them to prioritize the protection of women against any form of abuse, violence, or mistreatment.
Tari Tina Youdubagha, the Team Lead of EVAWC, also condemned the actions of the vigilante group, describing the public humiliation as an injustice. She stated that the coalition of women’s organizations would not rest until those responsible for the brutal act are brought to justice. “We are demanding that those behind this heinous act be brought to justice,” she declared.
Hajia Balikis, a representative of the Federation of Women Muslims Association of Nigeria (FOMWAN), Bayelsa State Chapter, also expressed her support for Madam Andrew. “You are our mother. What they did to you is wrong. It is an injustice to every woman,” she said, offering words of comfort and solidarity.
The incident has deeply affected Madam Andrew’s family, who have expressed their shock and disbelief over the treatment she endured. Her son, Dr. Ebimobotei Mao Bunu, was particularly disturbed when he arrived at the scene after the police had ordered her release. He described the sight of his mother chained to a pole, with elderly women in the community seemingly indifferent to her suffering, as heartbreaking.
“When I got to the community, I saw my mother tied to a pole with slave chains, and some elderly women were playing draft as if they were happily enjoying her suffering,” Dr. Bunu lamented. He explained that while his family was deeply shocked, they chose to avoid escalating the situation, fearing it could lead to violence in the community. Instead, they sought assistance from the police and women’s organizations to address the matter peacefully.
Dr. Bunu also expressed his frustration with the way the community treated his mother, lamenting that their actions seemed to reflect a lack of compassion and respect for human dignity. “For me, if I want to take law into my hands, it will promote crisis. Now, they have started tagging us as breakers of law and order,” he added.
The incident has raised serious questions about the role of vigilante groups in local communities and the abuse of power that can occur when individuals take the law into their own hands. While community groups are often established to protect citizens, the actions of the vigilante members in this case have drawn widespread criticism for their brutality and disregard for Madam Andrew’s rights.
As the investigation continues, women’s rights organizations and the public at large are calling for the swift prosecution of those responsible for the wrongful treatment of Madam Andrew. The support for the widow has been overwhelming, with many expressing their anger over the violation of her dignity and the cruelty she endured.
The Bayelsa State Government and the Nigerian Police now face mounting pressure to hold the vigilante members accountable and ensure that justice is served. This case serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for the protection of women’s rights in Nigeria and the need for stronger safeguards against such injustices.
