A debate rages on Nigerian social networks following a case of domestic violence. A local governor organized the public reconciliation of a young woman who had been repeatedly abused by her husband. A gesture that scandalized many people.
as reported from Lagos, Liza Fabbian
In the video she posted on Twitter, Ifeyinwa Angbo calmly describes the hell that her husband has put her through since their marriage began six years ago. On her left cheek she has purple punch marks and scratches that go down to her swollen lip: “Just because I asked her to be careful with the money and not spend it on women,” I was hit. He tried to strangle me. He was on the scar from my caesarean section … ”
Doctor Ifeyinwa Angbo urges her husband, Pius Angbo, to have beaten her mercilessly just four weeks after she welcomed their fourth child. pic.twitter.com/gg4r3j5Rbb
– Laila Ijeoma | Lailasnews.com (@LailaIjeoma) December 6, 2020 No condemnation of domestic violence
The case has reached the ears of Samuel Ortom, the governor of the state of Benue where the couple lives. But rather than go to court, he organized a public “reconciliation session” between the woman and her husband: “As an older person and more experienced in marriage, I would like these young people to grow up together.”
In front of some TV cameras, he apologized. “I would never have beaten my wife. I apologize for my violent reflexes, this is not an intentional act, he said. Despite his distorted face, his wife has granted him forgiveness. “Thank you for your advice, Governor. And in the future, I want my marriage to work. ”
While some believe it is now a closed case, others have condemned “an institutionalization of domestic violence”, which has certainly not been condemned. This scene scandalized some Nigerians, terrified to imagine Ifeyinwa Angbo again alone with his executioner.
► To read also: Guest Africa – During the containment “we saw an increase in all violence against women and girls”
.
