{FROM OUR CRIME DESK, Abakaliki}
A widow (Identities withheld) from the Ezza community living in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, has reportedly lost the sight in one of her eyes after an alleged confrontation with her landlady, which has left her partially blind.
According to reports from close neighbors of both the landlady and the widow, the incident occurred on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at approximately 10:00 AM. Sources close to the victim claimed that the landlady assaulted her despite the widow being up-to-date on her rent and having no disputes over accommodation payments.
It was revealed that the widow had paid six months’ rent on December 14, 2025, covering the period from January to June 2026.
Neighbors and acquaintances of the widow indicated that tension arose after she informed her landlady that she could no longer provide food and other personal assistance, as her priority shifted to caring for her newborn daughter and other children.
Following this, sources claimed the landlady began damaging the widow’s belongings, such as her makeshift bathroom, cooking utensils, water containers, clothes, and other personal items.
Residents also alleged that the landlady had repeatedly demanded that the widow vacate the premises despite the rent not being due.
According to eyewitnesses, the situation escalated during a quarrel between the landlady and her husband. After the argument, the landlady allegedly invaded the widow’s space and caused destruction to some of her business goods.
When the victim confronted her about the damaged items, the situation allegedly turned violent, leading to the landlady grabbing the widow and inflicting a severe injury to her eye, leaving her partially blind.
The victim was quickly taken to the hospital for urgent medical care, where she was placed on oxygen due to the gravity of her condition.
Community members reported that the landlady and her family fled the area after the incident, and their current whereabouts are unknown as of this report.
Attempts to get an official comment from the police regarding the incident were unsuccessful at the time of this publication.
The victim’s family is urging the appropriate authorities and human rights organizations to step in quickly to ensure justice is achieved.
