Tragedy in Abia: Nursing Mother Dies After Husband Detained by Anti-Cult Police, Villagers Protest

Villagers from Ikwuano LGA, Abia State, on Wednesday stormed the Anti-Cult Unit of the Abia State Police Command in Olokoro, Umuahia South, carrying the lifeless body of Mrs. Williams, wife of the Leader of the Ikwuano Legislative Council, Ejike Williams.

The nursing mother, who had given birth just nine days ago, reportedly collapsed and died after her husband and three other councillors were allegedly assaulted and detained by police following a petition said to be written by a revenue agent.

Her death sparked widespread protests in Ikwuano and Olokoro, as residents demanded accountability from the police, insisting the officers at the station take responsibility for the tragedy. A police team eventually accompanied the villagers to Madonna Hospital Mortuary in Umuahia for a proper investigation.

Speaking to journalists, Chimeremeze Emeruwa, Special Assistant to Governor Alex Otti on Digital Economy, alleged that an officer known as “Tiger” assaulted him for pleading for the release of Ejike Williams so he could see his wife. “Now the woman is dead. We will definitely take legal action against this high-handedness,” Emeruwa said.

The detained councillors—including Ejike Williams, Sunday Uche Okoro, Ukazu Ejike, and Akobundu Agomou—claimed they were beaten inside the cell and were detained over an unsubstantiated petition, despite paying large sums for bail.

The incident has intensified calls for police accountability and sparked outrage across the community over the treatment of public officials and the tragic death of a nursing mother.