From Ifeoma Ejiofor
The Gender Perspective and Social Development Center (GPSDC) has condemned the gruesome killing of 23-year-old Mmesoma Umeorini in Uga, Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State.
Mmesoma was allegedly killed by her former boyfriend following the breakdown of their relationship.
Reacting to the incident, the Executive Director of GPSDC, Mrs Eucharia Anaekwe, described the killing as deeply disturbing and condemnable.
She noted that the tragic incident raised serious concerns about violence against women, possessiveness in intimate relationships, and the dangerous belief that a woman becomes a man’s property simply because they are or were romantically involved.
“Let us be clear: A woman has the fundamental right to choose whom she loves, whom she dates, and whom she wishes to leave. No man has the right to punish, threaten, intimidate, or take the life of a woman because she decides to end a relationship”.
“This incident, like other cases of violence against women, calls for urgent reflection on the attitudes and social norms that excuse male dominance, encourage possessiveness, and portray women’s independence as an affront to male authority,” she said.
Anaekwe stressed that the harmful misconception that a woman is a man’s property must be challenged in homes, schools, religious institutions, communities, and other social spaces.
She called on the Anambra State Police Command and other relevant authorities to conduct a thorough, impartial, and professional investigation into the incident to ensure that justice is served.
The GPSDC executive director maintained that the erroneous belief that a woman has no right to leave an unhealthy relationship would only be dismantled when perpetrators are held accountable for their actions.
She also urged parents, community leaders, religious institutions, educators, and civil society organisations to intensify public education on healthy relationships, emotional regulation, respect for personal boundaries, and non-violent conflict resolution.
Threats, stalking, coercive control, and refusal to accept a partner’s decision to leave must never be dismissed as proof of love or ordinary relationship problems.
Furthermore, the government and relevant agencies must strengthen accessible reporting channels and protection mechanisms for women and girls facing threats or intimate partner violence.
Prevention requires more than condemnation after a life has been lost; it requires early intervention, responsive institutions, community vigilance, and accountability.
“To our young women and girls: Your life, your dignity, and your right to make decisions about your relationships matter. Love should never demand your freedom, and no relationship is worth losing your life over. If a partner threatens or intimidates you, please take the warning signs seriously, confide in trusted people, and seek appropriate help”.
“To our young men, we say: Positive masculinity is demonstrated through self-control, respect, responsibility, and the ability to accept rejection without resorting to violence. A woman choosing to leave you does not diminish your worth as a man,” she concluded.
