By Kamsi Anayo
A landlady, Amaka Okonkwo, is currently in custody at the Police Station, Nimo, for pouring hot water mixed with pepper on her tenant, Imabong William, over a disagreement on a rent increment.
The incident, it was gathered, happened at Enugwu-Ukwu in Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra state.
An eyewitness said trouble started between both parties when the suspect asked the victim to vacate the house over her inability to pay the new rent, noting that her rent had expired in July.
The victim, who hailed from Akwa Ibom state, is currently receiving treatment at Zion Hospital, Nawfia.
She said, “I requested more time from my landlady to enable me to get a new place, but unfortunately while I was washing my clothes, the landlady poured hot water mixed with pepper on me from behind.”
The Women President-General of the community, Chiegbunam Nwosu, and Florence Okoye condemned the act, stating that the community is not in support of the dastardly act meted on the victim.
The women also visited Nimo Police Division where the DPO assured them that the case will be transferred to the state CID for further investigation.
Upon interrogations, the husband of the suspect, Ebere Okonkwo, who was also seen at the hospital, denied any involvement in his wife’s actions.
Okonkwo said that, although he was at home when the incident occurred, he was not aware of his wife’s intentions toward their tenant.
Reacting, the Women and Social Welfare Commissioner, Ify Obinabo, who went to the hospital where the victim is recuperating thanked Enugwu-Ukwu women for their timely intervention in the situation and for arresting the perpetrator.
The commissioner expressed displeasure over the incident and promised to get justice for the victim.
She warned that the state government will not take lightly anyone found culpable of assault of any kind, advising the public to always report crimes and misdemeanors to the appropriate authorities for quick intervention.