Mrs. Franklyn Onyekachi, Chairperson, Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Anambra Chapter, has called for a break in the chain against all forms of violence against women.
Onyekachi cried out to all relevant authorities to see reasons to act swiftly in matters related to women’s affairs as the spate of violence against women increases on daily basis, and there must be a stop.
She made the call in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Awka on Monday.
Onyekachi said that the need for a renewed call to fight violence against women was the recent news of the sudden death of a gospel singer, Mrs. Osinachi Nwachukwu, who allegedly died as a result of wife battering.
“We read with rude shock and anger of the real cause of the death of the renowned gospel artist Osinachi Nwachukwu.
“When the news of her death first filtered in, it was attributed to throat cancer, but eventually on investigation and family report, we heard that she had allegedly been hit on the chest by her own husband which eventually led to her death.
“We gathered also that the hit was not just the first attempt, but a routine habit by a man who was supposed to give her care and love, a mother of his children, this is unacceptable.
“We mourn the untimely demise of this young, inspiring, and resourceful Amazon, who has been a blessing to Christendom, the highly gifted worship icon who sang down the glory of God.
“How can such a great talent be wasted? Onyekachi asked.
Onyekachi said that NAWOJ in Anambra was sorrowful that domestic violence has yet claimed another of the state’s shining stars and appealed to the governor, Prof Charles Soludo, to give women justice over this and related cases.
“We demand justice for Osinachi, we demand justice for all women, who are under the bondage of violence from men who value women less.
“Though Osinachi hailed from Isuochi in Abia state, she was married to an Anambra man from the Nnewi community, whose traditional rulers are actively involved in the fight against violence against women.
“We will continue to reiterate that no woman should continue to stay in an abusive marriage,
“While we hate divorce, we advise that women should separate from a wife batterer. Marriage is not to be endured but enjoyed.
“It is better to be alive and separated from the beast of a husband than to be brought home dead,” she said.
She said that NAWOJ Anambra has called for a speedy trial and prosecution of late Osinachi’s husband to serve as a deterrent to others, who are in the habit of carrying out violence against women.
“We call for justice for Osinachi; Osinachi did not deserve to die the way she did.
“We call for an end to violence against women and girls in all ramifications,” she said.
NAN reports that the singer reportedly died out of clusters of blood on her chest on Friday, April 8. This was confirmed by a medical doctor, who attended to her as narrated by her eldest sister. She did not name the hospital.
Osinachi left behind four children, her husband, and other relatives.
