RismadarVoice Reporters, April 9, 2026
The Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Hon. (Mrs) Inibehe Silas Etukudo, has condemned the alleged assault of Ms. Rachael Samuel, describing the act as barbaric and unacceptable.
In a statement, the Commissioner said the Ministry’s attention was drawn to the incident involving one Mr. Hope Ekong, who allegedly assaulted Ms. Samuel, said to be his tenant, at his residence on Hospital Road in Abak Local Government Area.
Etukudo described the incident as deeply disturbing, stressing that violence against any individual, particularly women, has no place in society and must be strongly resisted.
She noted that the alleged act constitutes a violation of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act, which criminalises all forms of physical, emotional, and psychological abuse, as well as Section 34 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees the dignity of the human person.
“This act is not only repugnant to human dignity but also a punishable offence under the laws of our land. No individual, regardless of status, has the right to inflict harm on another,” she said.
The Commissioner assured that the Ministry would collaborate with law enforcement agencies and relevant stakeholders to ensure that the suspect is thoroughly investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
She also reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to protecting the rights of women and vulnerable persons across the state.
Etukudo commended the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady and Chairman of the State Gender-Based Violence Committee, Lady Helen Eno-Obareki, as well as the Committee’s Secretary, Barr. Emem Ette, for their swift intervention leading to the arrest of the suspect.
She reiterated that the state government maintains a zero-tolerance stance on gender-based violence and warned that offenders would face the full weight of the law.
The Commissioner called on residents to remain united in protecting the dignity, safety, and rights of women across the state.
