Pregnant woman dies ‘after being beaten’ by husband in Lagos

The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) says a man has been arrested for allegedly beating his  pregnant wife to death.

Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, executive secretary of the agency, in a statement, said the case was reported at about 1 p.m. on Wednesday.

Vivour-Adeniyi said the complainant alleged that the seven-month pregnant woman died after complaining of body pains.

She added that the incident occurred in the Ketu area of Lagos where the husband was said to have regularly abused the late pregnant woman physically.

The woman was said to have reported the case of “domestic abuse” to the husband’s family, but no measure was taken to stop the violence.

“The unfortunate incident happened in the Ketu area of Lagos where It was alleged that her husband had serially abused her physically and otherwise,” the statement reads.

“The last incident allegedly happened at midnight today, 16th January 2023 which resulted in her death.

“It was also revealed that one of the family members confirmed that the deceased had repeatedly reported physical abuse to the husband’s family members. Unfortunately, nothing was done to address the issue.”

The executive secretary said the husband has been arrested while asking members of the public to report such cases to the agency.

“Upon the receipt of the case, field officers from the agency incidented the case at the nearest police station where the investigation commenced immediately,” she added

“The alleged perpetrator has been apprehended, currently in police custody and an investigation is ongoing.

“We sympathize with the departed and use this medium to reiterate the fact that every domestic violence is truly a potential murder case”.

“As we remain steadfast in our resolve to ensure SGBV menace is reduced to the barest minimum, We encourage anyone experiencing domestic violence to please break the culture of silence, to know that we believe them, even as they are encouraged to speak up and report to authorities such as the DSVA either via the toll-free line 08000 333 333 or at Novel House, Plot 3, Otunba Jobi Fele Way, Central Business District, Alausa, Ikeja.”