Pregnant Widow Humiliated and Sent Out of Community Over Alleged Theft in Buruku, Benue State

A heartbreaking scene is unfolding at Ugbema Junction, Buruku Local Government Area of Benue State, where a heavily pregnant widow has reportedly been humiliated and punished publicly after being accused of shoplifting to survive.

Eyewitnesses said the woman, who has a young son and is expecting another child, has been struggling to feed her family since the death of her husband. Out of desperation, she allegedly resorted to picking food items from shops around Ugbema.

However, her luck ran out on Friday when community youths apprehended her and subjected her to harsh punishment under the scorching sun — an action said to have been endorsed by local elders, who reportedly ordered that she be walked out of the community.

“She’s a pregnant woman, suffering and hungry. Even if she stole, what she needs is help, not humiliation,” a resident lamented.

The incident, which occurred along Gboko Road in Ugbema, has drawn outrage from human rights advocates and residents who insist that the woman deserves compassion, not cruelty.

Many have called on Buruku Local Government Chairman, Hon. Raymond Zege Aondoakura, and Hon. Gbenda Terver to intervene immediately and caution the youths involved. They also urged the Benue State Police Command in Makurdi to investigate the case and ensure the woman’s protection.

Critics say the act of banishing a pregnant woman over alleged petty theft reflects the growing socioeconomic hardship and breakdown of community empathy across rural parts of Nigeria.

Human rights observers have emphasized that while theft remains a crime, the public humiliation of a pregnant woman violates her fundamental human rights and may endanger both her life and that of her unborn child.

“Pregnancy alone is hard enough. Poverty makes it worse. What this woman needs is care, not condemnation,” one activist said.


As of press time, the Benue State Police Command has not released an official statement on the matter. Concerned citizens are calling for immediate humanitarian support for the woman and her child.