A widow from Amanfu, Ugbawka community in Nkanu East Local Government Area of Enugu State, Chinyere Okonkwo, has been left stranded under a tree at a hospital after she was discharged but could not leave because of an outstanding medical bill of ₦620,000.
Key Highlights
- Enugu widow Chinyere Okonkwo stranded at Parklane Hospital for four days after discharge over a ₦620,000 bill.
- She was recently accused of witchcraft and allegedly forced to eat faeces in her community.
- AfAW says the Enugu government promised to pay her medical bills but has not.
- Her son says the family spends about ₦13,500 daily on feeding at the hospital.
The widow, who was recently accused of witchcraft and allegedly forced to eat faeces by members of her community, has reportedly remained at Parklane Hospital for four days following her discharge.
Her son, Osita Okonkwo, who has been staying with her at the hospital, said the family could not settle the outstanding bill needed to secure her release.
He appealed to the Enugu State government and well-meaning Nigerians to intervene, explaining that the family also spends about ₦13,500 daily on feeding while staying at the hospital.
The development has raised concerns about the welfare of the widow, who is reportedly struggling to recover from an incident that exposed her to public humiliation and alleged abuse.
AfAW Faults Enugu Government
The Advocacy for Alleged Witches (AfAW) has also expressed disappointment over the handling of the case by the Enugu State government, accusing the authorities of failing to fulfil a promise to pay the widow’s medical expenses.
The organisation’s director, Leo Igwe, said the organisation became involved after learning about the alleged abuse.
It subsequently sent a local advocate to verify the incident and worked through the Enugu office of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to involve the Gender Task Force and the state Ministry of Gender.
According to Igwe, the commissioner for gender convened a meeting on October 12 and assured the organisation that the government would cover the widow’s medical bills.
He said Mrs. Okonkwo was subsequently referred to Parklane Hospital, a government-owned facility, while AfAW pledged to support other aspects of her rehabilitation and efforts to obtain justice.
Igwe added that the organisation also worked with the police to facilitate the arrest of some suspects allegedly connected to the incident.
Read also:
- Enugu Viral Video: Elderly Woman Paraded Over Alleged Witchcraft Accusation
- Mob Attacks 60-Year-Old Man, Son Over Witchcraft Allegation, Police Arrest 17
- Northern Christian Association Calls For Probe Into Viral Video Of Youths Threatening Christians In Enugu, Jos
‘Abandoned At Parklane Hospital’
However, AfAW said it was informed on Wednesday that the widow has remained stranded at the hospital because the promised payment has not been made.
“Unfortunately, this morning AfAW got the news that the woman had been abandoned at Parklane hospital, that she could not be released because the government had not paid the bill as promised,” Igwe said.
He described the situation as a troubling indication of insufficient commitment to addressing gender-based violence and protecting vulnerable women.
AfAW called on the Enugu State government to immediately settle the outstanding medical bill and provide the widow with financial and welfare support to aid her recovery.
The organisation also urged the authorities to ensure that the alleged abuse is properly addressed and that the victim receives the necessary assistance to rebuild her life.
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