Wife of the Kogi State Governor, Hajia Sefinat Usman Ododo, has strongly condemned cases domestic violence in the state, stressing that no one deserves to be subjected to violence or treated with cruelty by anyone under any circumstances.
The First Lady, who expressed deep concern over the reported burning of Mrs. Irawo Berida by her husband following an argument at home, described the incident as unacceptable and called for greater efforts to prevent violence against women and girls in the state.
In a statement from the Office of the First Lady, Hajia Sefinat said every woman deserves to live in safety, dignity and peace, urging families, community leaders, religious institutions and other stakeholders to speak out against domestic violence and protect victims.
Moved by the incident and concerned about the victim’s condition, the First Lady paid a visit to Mrs. Berida at the hospital where she is receiving treatment in Lokoja, to assess her condition and show solidarity with her and her family.
Represented by the wife of the Deputy Governor, Deaconess Margret Salifu Oyibo during the visit, Hajia Sefinat assured Mrs. Berida of the support of the Kogi State Government, particularly towards her medical care, and pledged that the matter would be investigated to ensure that justice is served and that the perpetrator faces the full weight of the law.
She further urged victims of domestic violence not to remain silent, while calling on members of the public to promptly report cases of abuse to the appropriate authorities.
The visit, she said, was also intended to demonstrate the state government’s commitment to protecting women and girls and ensuring that cases of violence against anyone in the state receive the attention they deserve.
The management of the Hospital commended the state government for the visit and expressed commitment to providing Mrs. Berida with the necessary medical attention and care.
Also speaking, wife of the Kogi State Commissioner for Justice, Princess Karimat Muiz, urged members of the public to report incidents of domestic violence to relevant authorities rather than treating them as private family matters.
Mrs. Berida, who narrated her ordeal, said the incident occurred after she burnt some of her husband’s unused clothes while trying to tidy up the environment, leading to an argument at home.
She expressed gratitude to God for preserving her life and appreciates Hajia Sefinat Ododo and the Kogi State Government for the intervention and support during the difficult period.
The First Lady’s intervention highlights the need for collective action to end domestic violence and ensure that women and girls can live free from fear, abuse and all forms of violence at home and elsewhere.
