The Women’s Aid Collective (WACOL) has condemned the alleged gang rape, torture, attempted murder and banishment of a 34-year-old mother of six in Aninri Local Government Area of Enugu State, describing the incident as a grave violation of human rights and the Enugu State Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law, 2019.

In a statement, the organisation expressed shock and outrage over what it described as a series of barbaric acts allegedly perpetrated against the woman after years of enduring domestic violence.

According to WACOL, the survivor had reportedly suffered repeated physical abuse from her husband, who allegedly assaulted both her and her mother. In an attempt to escape the violence, she rented a separate apartment, but her husband allegedly tracked her down and attacked her on July 17, forcing her to flee.

The organisation said the woman later sought refuge at her mother’s residence, but her husband allegedly followed her there and threatened to kill her if she remained. Fearing for her life, she reportedly sought temporary shelter with a male acquaintance who traded in palm kernels.

WACOL alleged that because the trader was married, he took the woman to a friend’s house for safety. However, the organisation claimed the friend conspired with another community member to restrain the trader before allegedly raping the woman.

According to the statement, the alleged rapist then locked both the woman and the trader inside the house before informing her husband of their location.

WACOL further alleged that when the husband arrived with a mob, the situation escalated into a violent attack.

The organisation claimed the husband publicly raped the woman while members of the mob restrained the trader who had attempted to help her.

It also alleged that the woman’s money was stolen and used to purchase drinks for members of the community, who were allegedly encouraged to assault both victims.

According to WACOL, the mob stripped the pair naked, physically assaulted them, spat on them, inflicted cutlass wounds and, in the woman’s case, allegedly used broken bottles to shave off her hair.

The organisation further claimed that the severely injured woman was dragged into a forest and abandoned.

WACOL said the survivor reportedly spent three days in the forest before managing to crawl to a nearby road, where she was rescued by passersby who contacted her family. She is currently receiving medical treatment under police protection.

The rights group also accused traditional leaders in the community of obstructing justice, alleging that the community’s traditional ruler and President General banished the survivor and her family after they reported the incident to the police.

The organisation further expressed concern over the whereabouts of the male trader who was reportedly attacked alongside the survivor, saying his location remains unknown.

While commending the Enugu State Police Command for making arrests, including the woman’s husband and some female suspects, WACOL said several alleged perpetrators remain at large.

The organisation also expressed concern over reports that some suspects were initially released after alleged intervention by the community’s traditional ruler before being rearrested.

WACOL called on the Commissioner of Police in Enugu State to ensure the arrest and prosecution of every suspect connected with the incident.

The group also urged the police to launch an urgent search for the missing trader and provide adequate security for the survivor, her sister and other family members.

In addition, WACOL called on the Enugu State Government and the Ministry of Chieftaincy Matters to investigate the actions of the community’s traditional ruler and President General over the alleged banishment of the survivor and her relatives.

The organisation said its legal and psychosocial teams had been mobilised to support the survivor throughout her recovery and the pursuit of justice.

WACOL appealed to Nigerians, civil society organisations and the media to support efforts aimed at ensuring justice for the survivor and preventing similar acts of violence against women.