A man named Lawrence Uzor has been accused of gouging out the eyes of his wife, Amarachi Lawrence, allegedly for ritual purposes. The gruesome event occurred in the early hours of Sunday at their residence in Adiele Estate, Umueze Ibeku, Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia State.
According to reports, Uzor, an aluminium worker originally from Umuchieze in Bende LGA, attacked his 38-year-old wife with a knife while she was asleep. The couple’s landlady, Madam Lovejane Nwaiwu, who was also attacked during the incident, described the horrifying events that unfolded.
She recalled hearing Uzor shouting around 10 p.m., which made her concerned as it was unusual for the couple. Later that night, she heard Amarachi scream, “Mummy, I have been killed.”
When Madam Nwaiwu went to check, she saw Uzor attacking his wife with a knife through their bedroom window. In her attempt to intervene and seek help, Uzor also attacked her, causing serious injuries to her hand and mouth. After attacking his wife and the landlady, Uzor locked the gate and alerted neighbors, falsely claiming he had killed both women.
First Lady of Abia State, Priscilla Otti, visited the victims at the Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia, expressing her deep sadness over the violent act. Otti assured that the state government would take immediate action to support the victims and address gender-based violence. She also donated funds for the treatment and upkeep of the victims.
The community’s vigilance team apprehended Uzor after being alerted by the landlady’s family. The Medical Director of FMC, Umuahia, Prof. Azubuike Onyebuchi, reported that Amarachi, who was asleep when the attack began, is making progress in her recovery. Meanwhile, the suspect remains in police custody.
