A pregnant widow has been banished from Ugbema community in Benue State after being accused of stealing food items to feed herself and her child.
Residents have condemned the act, calling it cruel and urging compassion instead of humiliation.
A heavily pregnant widow has been driven out of Ugbema community in Buruku Local Government Area of Benue State after being accused of stealing food items from local shops.
According to reports, the woman, who recently lost her husband, had allegedly taken small goods from traders in an effort to feed herself, her young child, and her unborn baby.
Witnesses said her ordeal began on Saturday, October 10, 2025, when she was caught by local youths who claimed to have observed her stealing on multiple occasions. The youths reportedly forced her to endure public humiliation under the afternoon heat before alerting community elders.
Sources within the area said that after a brief meeting, the elders instructed the youths to escort her out of the community as punishment.
The decision has stirred outrage among some residents, who described the punishment as cruel and disproportionate. They argued that the woman’s desperate situation called for compassion and support rather than public disgrace.
One resident, who pleaded anonymity, said many villagers were saddened by the treatment she received. “Instead of helping her, they chose to humiliate and chase her away. She is pregnant and has no one to turn to,” the resident lamented.
As of press time, it was unclear where the woman had gone or whether local authorities had been notified of the incident.
