Kwara: NSCDC records 36 domestic violence cases in six months

A 20-year-old woman died after allegedly being raped by a man she met online in Asaba, Delta State, according to reports from local Nigerian media. The victim, identified as Favour, reportedly attempted suicide following the alleged assault. Her father, Mr. Ese Agbro, described the tragic sequence of events that led to his daughter's death, highlighting the emotional toll on his family and the lack of support they received during the crisis. Favour left her hometown of Warri to meet a man named “Odogwu of Asaba” on social media. The man, whose real name is Ifeanyi Ogbonna, is a 40-year-old content creator and boutique owner based in the same Asaba hotel where the alleged rape occurred. According to the father, Favour stayed with Ogbonna for seven days before returning to her family. Shortly afterward, she was found dead after taking a poisonous substance. The father claims she was threatened by Ogbonna, who allegedly promised to kill her if she spoke out against him. Ese Agbro recounted the harrowing journey his family endured to save Favour’s life. After discovering her condition, they rushed her to multiple hospitals in different locations. The initial attempt at treatment began at a private clinic in Agbarho, but the staff was unable to stabilize her. The family moved her to the Delta State University Teaching Hospital in Oghara, where medical staff faced challenges due to strikes. They were then transferred to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, which also struggled to provide adequate care. Eventually, they arrived at a hospital on Ring Road in Benin, Edo State, where doctors informed them that Favour’s lungs were severely damaged. Despite their efforts, she passed away after nine days of treatment. The father revealed that Favour had sought help from a human rights activist after the alleged rape. She had reported the incident to the activist, but did not initially share the details with her parents. It was the mother who eventually broke the news to Ese, prompting him to contact the activist for more information. The activist confirmed that Ogbonna had indeed threatened Favour, warning her not to speak out. Favour was a nursing student at an accredited institution in Warri, working at a clinic alongside other healthcare professionals. Her academic and professional aspirations were cut short by the tragedy. The father expressed deep sorrow over the loss, stating that the family has been left in complete despair. He emphasized that the emotional burden has been overwhelming, noting that the happiness once present in their home has vanished entirely. Ese Agbro has called for justice, urging the public to support his family financially. He mentioned that he has borrowed heavily from cooperatives to cover the costs of his daughter’s treatment. He is hopeful that people will assist them, especially given the financial strain they are currently facing. The father also stressed the need for accountability, pointing to the failure of both the medical system and the authorities to adequately respond to the emergency. As the case unfolds, questions remain about the role of law enforcement and the broader societal response to such incidents. While Ogbonna has been arrested and is currently held in a police cell, the family continues to seek closure and justice. Their story highlights the urgent need for improved support systems for victims of sexual violence and better access to timely medical care. The ongoing investigation into the case may bring further clarity, but for now, the family remains in mourning, hoping for some form of resolution.