Outrage as 71-Year-Old widow is chained to a pole in Bayelsa

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Widespread outrage has erupted after a disturbing video surfaced showing 71-year-old widow Madam Sudinah Andrew chained to a pole in a market square in Korokorosei, Bayelsa State, by local vigilantes.

According to the End Violence Against Women and Children (EVAWC), the shocking incident occurred on January 28. The widow had been falsely accused of attacking her daughter with a cutlass during a dispute, but subsequent investigations revealed the allegations to be untrue.

It is reported that the vigilante group had a pre-existing vendetta against the widow, stemming from her role in instigating their arrest last year for alleged harassment. Eyewitnesses claim that the group, led by Opukiri Ogbe and CDC Chairman Ayibaditon Fiokorighe, demanded a ransom of ₦50,000 or 55 strokes of the cane in exchange for her release.

Following a petition by her family to the police and human rights organizations, the widow was finally freed. She is currently receiving medical attention in Yenagoa, where she described her traumatic experience as dehumanizing.

Women’s rights activists have strongly condemned the incident, calling for a thorough police investigation and justice for the victim.

Mr. Thankgod Andrew, the brother of the widow, recounted to reporters the harrowing events of January 28, 2025, during which the vigilante group dragged his sister through the community.

From her hospital bed, Madam Andrew shared with reporters the profound impact of the incident, stating that she had been subjected to dehumanizing treatment and trauma at the hands of the vigilante group.

She said, “I was holding a cutlass because I was preparing to go into the bush to cut down plantain. I was cautioning my disrespectful ‘daughter’ whose mother resides in another village. I told them I meant no harm but they insisted I have committed an offence.”

Comrade Tina Tari Youdubagha, Team Lead of the End Violence Against Women and Children (EVAWC) and a member of the coalition of women-led organizations in Bayelsa State, strongly denounced the vigilantes’ actions.

She characterized their behavior as barbaric and a blatant infringement on the fundamental rights of the elderly woman.

“This case is inhumane and barbaric. I say no to it. We call on the Bayelsa State police command to investigate and give justice to the widow,” she said.

Dr. Dise Ogbise Goddy Harry, founder of the Do Foundation, also weighed in on the issue, stating: “This is another case of man’s inhumanity to man. This incidence has touched on my gender and we will not keep quiet once again.

“We are saddened by the fact that some persons have taken the laws into their hands to their hands by being a complainant, a persecutor, a prosecutor and a judge. It is time for a thorough and proper investigation this case.

“We therefore call on the Bayelsa police command to please thoroughly investigate this case and bring the culprits to justice. We have officially written to the Bayelsa Non-Governmental Forum (BANGOF).”

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