A heavily pregnant widow has been banished from Ugbema community in Buruku Local Government Area of Benue State after she was accused of shoplifting. The incident has sparked widespread outrage and renewed calls for compassion toward vulnerable women facing economic hardship....Click to Read More >>➤

According to reports, community elders allegedly ordered the woman’s expulsion after she was accused of stealing items from local shops. The widow, whose name was not immediately disclosed, reportedly lost her husband recently and has been struggling to care for her young son while expecting another child.

Caught and Paraded by Local Youths

Eyewitnesses said the woman had been allegedly taking small items such as foodstuffs and toiletries from shops in the area to survive. However, her actions caught up with her on Saturday, October 10, 2025, when local youths apprehended her.

She was reportedly dragged to a public square where she was made to stand under the scorching sun as punishment before being paraded through the community.

“The youths caught her stealing from a nearby shop. Instead of handing her over to the police, they called the elders who decided she should be sent away,” a resident told reporters.

Elders Ordered Her Expulsion

Sources revealed that after deliberating on the matter, the elders directed the youths to escort the woman and her child out of the community. Her belongings were allegedly thrown out of her home before she was sent away.

A source who witnessed the expulsion said, “They said she had brought shame to the community and must leave immediately. Even when some people begged on her behalf because of her condition, the elders refused to reconsider.”

Public Outcry and Condemnation

The expulsion has triggered strong condemnation from residents and human rights advocates who described the act as cruel and inhumane, especially toward a pregnant widow struggling to survive.

Many have argued that rather than banish her, the community should have shown compassion and offered assistance to prevent such desperation-driven acts.

A local women’s group in Buruku reportedly called for the intervention of state authorities and welfare agencies, noting that the woman’s ordeal highlights the growing economic hardship and lack of social safety nets in rural communities.

“We are in difficult times. Hunger and poverty are pushing people, especially widows, into desperate situations,” a community activist said. “Instead of humiliation, she deserves care and support.”

Call for Government Intervention

Residents are now appealing to the Benue State Government and humanitarian organizations to locate the woman and provide her with immediate shelter, medical care, and social support.

They also urged Governor Hyacinth Alia to direct the Ministry of Women Affairs to investigate the incident and take steps to protect widows and vulnerable women from similar treatment.

Several online commentators have expressed anger over the reports, demanding that the community leaders involved be held accountable. The story has since gone viral on social media, with many Nigerians condemning what they described as “a barbaric act in a modern society.”

Broader Context of Rural Poverty

The incident sheds light on the worsening plight of widows and economically disadvantaged women in rural Nigeria. In many parts of Benue and the Middle Belt, widows often face social stigmatization, homelessness, and lack of access to basic needs after losing their husbands.

Human rights groups have repeatedly called for stronger enforcement of laws protecting women from discrimination and inhumane treatment.

As at press time, efforts to reach the traditional ruler of Ugbema for comment were unsuccessful. However, local residents insist that the matter must be revisited to ensure justice and compassion prevail. ...Click to Read More >>➤