My attention has been drawn to the pathetic situation of Miss. Ezenwa Nkechi a 20-year-old rape victim who hails from Umuna Ubommiri in the Mbaitoli Local Government Area(LGA) of Imo State. She was allegedly raped some months ago while hawking banana on the streets.
Fortunately Miss. Nkechi was delivered of a set of triplets at separate hospitals in Imo State, all male.
The story also has it that Miss Nkechi was aided by a member of her church as she was initially admitted at a Health Center in her community on June 14, 2020, where she was delivered of one of the triplets, and could not continue the delivery. She was swiftly moved to another hospital in Owerri, the State capital, where she completed the delivery by caesarian section.
The young mother has employed various media to appeal for financial support from good spirited individuals to help her offset her medical bill in the region of N300, 000 and to take care of the babies and herself.
According to her,
“About six cylinders of oxygen have been spent on the babies to make sure they are alive. The doctor also said I need more blood. He has really done well. I am grateful to him and the management of the hospital. I have been given medical attention for two weeks without paying a kobo yet.
“But I am running out of time. I have asked the hospital to be patient with me. I am appealing to members of the public to come to my aid.”
On this note, my office has stepped in. I will be conferring with the Commissioner for Gender & Vulnerable Groups with regards to ways of reaching out to Miss. Nkechi in order to ascertain the exact position of things.
It is important to note that through our various advocacies, we have continued to elevate the discourse around the burgeoning issue of rape in our society and the ills therefrom. No Imo daughter and indeed, no person should be subjected to the experience and trauma that comes from rape episodes.
It is my utmost desire & expectation that through this process, Miss Nkechi will be rehabilitated & reintegrated back to the society while her babies find ample care in our hands, to the Glory of God.
Her Excellency,
Barr (Mrs) Chioma Uzodimma
First Lady, Imo State
