Elder statesman, James Ibeagi, has expressed deep concern over the growing rate of domestic violence in Nigeria, describing it as a disturbing trend that now appears almost normalized.
Speaking with our correspondent in Port Harcourt, Ibeagi recounted a recent incident involving his neighbour, Mr. Richard, who allegedly assaulted his wife so severely that she was left unrecognizable. He said the attack occurred after the woman questioned her husband about his increasingly late return from work. According to Ibeagi, the intervention of neighbours was the only reason the situation did not turn fatal.
He condemned the rising cases of spousal abuse, noting that a man beating his wife is no different from “fighting himself,” and called for a collective push against the societal acceptance of such behaviour.
Another resident, Augustine Umeh, attributed the surge in domestic violence to the country’s economic hardship, stressing that not everyone is able to manage the pressure. He urged couples to exercise patience and tolerance, especially during what he described as a “trying period” for many families.
Umeh advised men to avoid excessive alcohol consumption, which he identified as a major trigger for violence in homes. He further warned that domestic disputes often result in injuries, loss of lives, and legal battles that drain finances.
Both men appealed to Nigerians to embrace peace, uphold family values, and cultivate the fear of God, noting that domestic violence has claimed many lives and continues to threaten the stability of homes across the nation.
