A 90-year-old widow, Mrs. Comfort Nwanchioma Okwuonu, is receiving treatment and protection after an alleged violent attack by members of her younger brother’s family in Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area of Abia State.
As reported by Vanguard, the nonagenarian, popularly known as Danchama, was reportedly assaulted in Umuhie Village, Ike Ahaba community, where she had returned to live following the death of her husband.
Family members and community sources alleged that the elderly woman had endured years of harassment, intimidation and physical abuse from her younger brother’s wife and some of her children.
According to relatives, the situation forced her at some point to seek refuge in an abandoned church building after allegedly being denied access to accommodation within the family compound.
Concerned by her plight, a community philanthropist, Chief Barrister Ahamdi Nweke, reportedly built a two-bedroom bungalow for her.
However, family members claimed that the alleged intimidation and attacks continued despite the intervention.
A nephew of the victim, Prince Osuagwu, said several attempts were made by community leaders and elders to resolve the dispute before the matter was reported to the police.
He alleged that the latest attack occurred on May 10, 2026, when assailants reportedly invaded the elderly woman’s residence at night and inflicted severe injuries, including machete cuts.
Neighbours were said to have responded to her cries for help and rescued her before the situation worsened.
The victim was subsequently taken for medical treatment, while officials of the Abia State Ministry of Women Affairs later intervened and placed her under protective care.
Confirming the development, the spokesperson for the Abia State Police Command, SP Maureen Chinaka, said one of the two suspects linked to the incident had been arrested, while efforts were ongoing to apprehend another suspect.
She added that investigations commenced after the Commissioner of Police received a petition from the family and assured that justice would be served.
The Abia State Ministry of Women Affairs also confirmed that it had taken custody of the elderly woman to ensure her safety.
The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mrs. Ogechi Becky Oguama, said the victim had allegedly suffered years of abuse before the recent attack.
Oguama disclosed that the woman was currently receiving medical attention at a partner care facility for injuries and other health complications allegedly resulting from the assault.
She said reports from medical personnel indicated that the victim was responding to treatment and remained in a safe environment.
The ministry pledged continued support for the widow and expressed confidence that those responsible for the alleged attack would be brought to justice.