Chinonso Echegi, an Enugu-based woman, has shared a chilling account of the domestic violence she endured, alleging that her husband used a knife to sever her left hand.
In an interview with BBC Pidgin, Chinonso revealed that the abuse began early in their marriage, even while she was nursing their child. She recalled one particular incident where her husband allegedly assaulted her, forcing her to flee with her baby to her father’s house, where she remained for two years.
“There was a time my husband beat me while I was still a nursing mother. I carried my baby and ran to my father’s house, where I stayed for two years,” she recounted.
During her time away, she alleged that her husband burned all her belongings, including her clothing. However, he later apologized and pledged to change. Encouraged by her family, she returned to him in September 2024.
Despite his promises, Chinonso claimed the violence persisted. She said her husband frequently beat her, sold their crops, and destroyed her phone. Fearful for her life, she hid a new phone in her village after he allegedly threatened to kill her and cut off her hand if he found it.
The situation took a tragic turn when she sought refuge at her in-laws’ house. Upon returning home to prepare for church, she was confronted by her husband.
“So I ran to my in-laws’ house. When I came back home to prepare for church, he held me and used the knife to cut my hand. He tried to cut off my head, but I used my hand to defend myself and he cut it off,” she narrated.
Despite her severe injury, Chinonso managed to escape to a relative’s house for help. Her husband, who fled into the bush after the attack, was later apprehended by villagers and handed over to the police.
Daniel Ndukwe, spokesperson for the Enugu State Police Command, confirmed the arrest, stating that the suspect claimed he attacked his wife over suspicions of infidelity.
The police have since recovered the weapon allegedly
used in the attack, as investigations continue.
