By Joy Odinye

The Anambra state government through the Ministry of Women and Social Welfare has arrested one Esther Obidigwe, and her two children, Ozioma Obidigwe, and Obuka Obidigwe for beating up their father.

The arrest was done after the 75-year-old victim, Romanus reported to the ministry.

Sharing his experience with his family at the office of the commissioner, Obidigwe, a retired senior civil servant stated that his family has been in the habit of beating him.

According to him, what caused that particular incident was that his daughter, Ozioma sold his firewood without his consent, and when he tried to know why she did so, they pounced on him, tied him up and used a rod to inflict injuries on him.

Obidigwe further revealed that the trio has since stopped giving him food which he accepted as good fate.

He, however, added that they usually steal from him especially his first son, Obuka who had gone to the local government where he retired to claim his benefits.

The patriarch bitterly lamented that it was for the sake of peace that he gave in to his wife’s compulsory “no sexual relationship” since the year 2000 till date.

He also noted that it took the intervention of a neighbour before they stopped, after which they locked him out of his compound.

When they were asked why they inflicted injury on their father, his son, Obuka, denied being present when the incident happened, while his wife, Esther Obidigwe confessed to the crime. His daughter alleged that it was what the father wanted to do to her that turned against him.

The women affairs boss, Hon. Ify Obinabo who was visibly furious over the dastardly act, promised to make sure the patriarch gets justice.

Hon. Obinabo therefore warned every member of the society to desist from crime as the present administration is out to make sure the oppressed get justice.

She also noted that her ministry is not only meant for women and children but is instituted for the social welfare of everyone.

As of the time of writing this report, the trio have been handed over to the police where they will be interrogated and charged to court.