Edo State First Lady, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki has promised to secure justice for Mrs. Tina Okhiria, a victim of gender-based violence, whose arm has been amputated as a result of a gunshot wound she sustained from her husband.
The First Lady made this pledge during a visit to the victim at the Edo Specialist Hospital where she is currently receiving treatment. Mrs. Obaseki promised to take all necessary actions to get her justice in accordance with the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law (VAPP).
According to the wife of the Governor, “no one has the right to deprive others of their lives”, encouraging women to speak out when they find themselves in an abusive or violent marriage.
She said, ‘‘Women should come out and report so that such men can be warned. You cannot stay in an abusive marriage and be happy. No one has the right to abuse you, not even your parents nor your husband, anyone who tries it will face the law, and please, report it to save your life.
“Marriage is meant for happiness and not a prison or death sentence. The law will deal with the culprits no matter how highly placed. Your life is valuable”.
Furthermore, Mrs. Obaseki encouraged women to stop enduring abusive marriages and speak out to save their homes and lives. She admonished them to report all violence cases to either the Ministry of Social Development and Gender Issues at the Edo State Secretariat or Gender Based Violence Centre in Benin City.
On her part, Mrs. Tina Okhiria thanked the first lady for empathizing with her.
The Permanent Secretary Ministry of Social Development and Gender Issues, Mrs Babara Osobajo was in the company of the wife of the governor during the visit.
