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Women from Effium and Ezza-Effium in Ohaukwu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State have demanded the release of their 177 husbands and children who are languishing in prison due to the ongoing war between the two neighbouring communities.
Recall that the Effium and Ezza-Effium people have been at war since 2021, with many lives lost and properties worth billions of naira destroyed.
The immediate past administration under David Umahi attempted to resolve the crisis, but killings, maiming, and destruction persisted.
Many individuals from both communities were arrested and remanded in prisons. A total of 177 detainees have been held, with 92 from Ezza and 85 from Effium.
They have been awaiting trial for four years, with 10 of them reportedly dying in detention. Many others have gone blind or are suffering from various diseases due to a lack of medical care.
The women lamented that life has become exceedingly difficult for them since their husbands and children were remanded in prison.
They also alleged that they have lost many children and husbands in detention and have called on Governor Francis Nwifuru to intervene and ensure their release.
Mrs Uguru Blessing, from Effium, said she has been suffering since her husband was sent to prison four years ago.
“My husband has been in prison for over four years now, and I don’t know what to do.
“I really appreciate our governor for the peace he has brought to Effium. I am so happy, and I truly appreciate him—he is a good man.
“One thing I am begging him for is to please help us. We are suffering, we are dying. My husband left four children for me, and since then, I don’t know what to do. The load of two people has become the responsibility of one person.
“My children have dropped out of school because I can’t afford to pay their school fees. Our governor should please help us so that our husbands can be released,” she said.
On her part, Mrs Kindness Ekpeta from Ezza commended Governor Francis Nwifuru for restoring peace in Effium and appealed to him to intervene in the imprisonment of their husbands and children to secure their release.
She alleged that over 10 of their husbands and children have died in prison, and those still alive are very sick.
“I visited them last Sunday, and I shed tears because many are sick and many have gone blind due to lack of care.
“My promise to our governor is that we will continue supporting him for bringing peace to Effium,” she stated.
Other women, including Mrs Martha Nworie and Mrs. Virginia Ufuo from Ezza, lamented that the detention of their husbands and children has caused untold hardship, as they can no longer care for their children.
They also appealed to Governor Nwifuru to assist in their release while commending him for restoring peace to the area.
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