23/06/2025
DISPLACED WIDOW SEEKS GOVERNMENT, PUBLIC INTERVENTION IN UYO
Introduction
A widow, Mrs. Comfort Okon Ekpenyong of Nung Nsoh Akpan, Nsukara Offot in Uyo Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, has cried out for help following her displacement by her late husband’s family. She made the appeal during a visit by the Akwa Ibom State chapter of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), led by the State Chairperson, Comrade Nsikak Okon.
The Widow’s Ordeal
Narrating her ordeal, Mrs. Ekpenyong said she was victimized by her husband’s siblings after his death. While she was at Anton Clinic, Obio Imo, delivering her third daughter, the siblings allegedly sold eight plots of land belonging to her late husband.
“They lied to the buyers that they needed the money to pay my hospital bills for me to be discharged. But Dr. Edem did not ask me for any money; instead, he and his wife provided everything I needed for the child,” she recounted.
After selling off the land, the siblings allegedly used the proceeds to buy properties for themselves, leaving Mrs. Ekpenyong and her three daughters destitute. Efforts to secure shelter led her to build a mud house in 2015, which was destroyed by a storm in 2021. She now prepares fufu in an open space by day and sleeps in an uncompleted building provided by a friend of her late husband.
Voices from the Community
Neighbours and residents of the area expressed concern over the widow’s condition.
Mr. Clement Akpan said:
“Each day I pass by, I feel for this woman. If anyone deserves help, it is her. I appeal to the government and kind-hearted individuals to assist her.”
Mrs. Mabel Michael Nyah, a neighbor, added:
“She has gone through so much. She feeds herself and her children from her fufu business. Her thatched house was destroyed by the rain. I pray God sends her helpers.”
The woman who provides her night shelter explained that they could not bear to see Mrs. Ekpenyong exposed to the rain and offered their uncompleted room as refuge at night.
Village Head’s Position
The Village Head of Nsukara Offot, Etteidung Eyo Asukwo Esen, expressed dismay over the situation. He stated that he was not aware of the widow’s plight until the NAWOJ visit.
“As the first Village Head to implement the VAPP Law in this area, I believe both male and female children have equal rights to their parents’ property. If she had reported to me, we would have acted. When you share your problem, we can act, but if you don’t, no one will know,” he said.
He condemned the actions of the late husband’s siblings and assured that such injustices are not tolerated in his domain.
NAWOJ’s Appeal
At the moment, Madam Comfort has secured the only land by staying there and doing her daily business, despite her condition. She is not folding her hands rather has business that attract empowerment.
The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) appealed to the Akwa Ibom State Government, corporate organizations, and well-meaning individuals to: assist in providing her and her children with a decent place of abode
Secure the widow’s remaining land from further encroachment
NAWOJ emphasized that urgent intervention would help restore dignity and stability to Mrs. Ekpeyong’s family.
Media Team
AK NAWOJ
20.06.25
