Lagos agency rescues pregnant widow ‘assaulted by in-laws’

The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) says it has rescued a pregnant widow who was assaulted by her in-laws.

In a statement on Friday, Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, executive secretary of DSVA, said the incident occurred on Thursday — two days after the death of the victim’s husband.

Vivour-Adeniyi said the widow, who is pregnant and also has a child, was beaten by her husband’s brothers in the process of forcing her to vacate the house.

She said the agency received distress calls and mobilised its field officers and also alerted the police who rescued the widow and her child.

“The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency yesterday received several distress calls from concerned and well-meaning residents wherein it was reported that a certain recently widowed woman was about to be forcefully ejected from her home by her late husband’s brothers,” the statement reads.

“The widow whose husband died on Tuesday 10th of January 2022 had a toddler and was also pregnant.

“Still to add, the widow was allegedly beaten in the process of trying to forcefully eject her from her home.

“After a series of engagements with the disputing parties, we were able to restore peace even as an undertaking was made to ensure the widow and her child were safe in their home.

“It is pertinent to note that while customs and traditions are respected, we reiterate that the relevant laws in Lagos state must be upheld.

“We use this medium to commend all the well-meaning residents of Lagos who insisted that justice must prevail showing that ensuring the menace of domestic violence is a collective responsibility.”