Enugu community lifts banishment on mob attack survivor, six arraigned

The community leadership of Azunkwo Ndeagbor in the Aninri Local Government Area of Enugu State has revoked the banishment of a 34-year-old mother of six who survived alleged domestic violence, gang rape and mob torture.

The reversal followed legal and advocacy interventions by the Women’s Aid Collective, which has been monitoring the case and advocating for the survivor’s protection and access to justice.

The development was contained in a statement issued by WACOL on Monday and made available to our correspondent.

The survivor and her family were reportedly banished from the community on the orders of the traditional ruler and President-General after the incident was reported to law enforcement authorities.

According to WACOL, the community leadership has now formally withdrawn the banishment order in writing and returned the survivor’s personal belongings, including her mobile phone and water storage tank.

The organisation said the Enugu State Police Command had also arrested and arraigned six suspects in connection with the incident.

The statement read, “Following swift advocacy and intervention, we have secured major milestones for the 34-year-old woman who survived mob violence, attempted murder, and banishment in Azunkwo Ndeagbor in Aninri Local Government Area.

“The community has formally withdrawn the banishment in writing and returned all seized property, including her mobile phone and water tank.

“The Enugu State Police Command has arrested and arraigned six suspects. We continue to press for the apprehension of the remaining 18 perpetrators to ensure all 24 face the law.”

WACOL said that through structured mediation, the survivor and her husband, who allegedly instigated the assault, had also agreed to peaceful coexistence.

The organisation said it was acting as amicus curiae in the matter to help ensure accountability and legal protection for the survivor and her children.

WACOL commended the Enugu State Government, the Commissioner of Police and the Ministry of Children, Gender and Social Development for their intervention and insistence on due process.

The development comes amid continuing calls for stronger protection of survivors of domestic and gender-based violence and for community leaders to refrain from actions that could further expose victims to harm or deny them access to justice.

WACOL said it would continue to monitor the case and push for the apprehension and prosecution of the remaining suspects.