A woman carrying a baby on her back and weeping as she was allegedly driven out of her community in Ohafia, Abia State, has triggered outrage and a fresh debate over culture, punishment and the treatment of women.
The woman was allegedly accused of having sexual relations with her husband’s brother.
In the video circulating online, the woman is seen walking away with the baby strapped to her back while a group of locals, mostly women, chant around her during what appears to be a community banishment.
The emotional footage has drawn criticism from Nigerians who are questioning why the woman allegedly received public punishment when the alleged affair involved two people.
Some critics are demanding to know what action was taken against the man accused of having an affair with his brother’s wife, arguing that both parties should be held accountable if the allegation is established.
The incident has also reignited broader criticism of some traditional practices across African communities, particularly those perceived to impose harsher consequences on women than men.
Critics argue that where traditional sanctions are retained, they should be applied fairly, regardless of gender, while practices that humiliate or expose women to violence should be reviewed.
Reacting to the video, one critic wrote:
«“This is evil from both sides…
“This is the woman that was sent away yesterday by Amuma Ohafia Women in Abia State that she was caught sleeping with her husband’s brother.
“Evil is evil. If they are quick to send her away, Amuma people should also punish their sons for sleeping with their brother’s wife. Both are wrong, not only the woman should face the consequences.
“Let’s call evil, evil.”»
The controversy has now moved beyond the alleged adultery, with a central question dominating the online debate: if two people allegedly committed the same offence, why does only one appear to be carrying the shame and punishment?
UKATA News could not independently verify the circumstances surrounding the video, the identity of the woman or whether any action was taken against the man allegedly involved.
