_…Says Men as the Central Point Must Change Their Ways and Become Allies, NOT Aggressors
The Women Support Women Community Network (WOSCONET) has expressed deep outrage over the gruesome killing of Mrs. Onyiyechi Okoh, a native of Amurri community in Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State, who reportedly lost her life to domestic violence.
In a strongly worded statement jointly signed by the Acting President, Comrade Mrs. Patience Uche-Udo Ezeaku, and the Secretary, Mrs. Chizoba Ezemagu, on Thursday, October 23, 2025, WOSCONET condemned the incident as “a barbaric and shameful act that exposes the dangerous attitudes of some men who see women as property rather than partners in humanity.”
The group declared that men must now take full responsibility and be at the center of the campaign to end gender-based violence, stressing that real change will only begin when men stop excusing abuse and start correcting fellow men who perpetrate it.
“We can no longer tiptoe around the truth, men must change their ways. Men must be taught that love is not control, that anger is not a weapon, and that no woman deserves to be beaten, violated, or killed in the name of marriage,” the statement asserted.
WOSCONET emphasized that while government and women’s groups continue to push for justice and protection, lasting change lies in the conscience and actions of men—fathers, husbands, brothers, and sons—who must now rise as protectors, not predators.
The organization described the death of Mrs. Okoh as a national disgrace and a moral failure of a society that has allowed silence to shield cruelty, calling for men to undergo reorientation and emotional education from an early age.
“The death of Mrs. Onyiyechi Okoh is not just a women’s issue—it is a man’s issue. Men must take the lead in ending this horror by unlearning toxic masculinity and embracing empathy, accountability, and respect. Gender-based violence will only stop when men stop it,” WOSCONET declared.
The group commended the Enugu State Government under Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah for its firm commitment to justice and women’s rights, urging law enforcement agencies to ensure that justice is swift and uncompromised.
WOSCONET also applauded Her Excellency, Mrs. Nkechinyere Mbah, the Wife of the Governor, for her relentless advocacy and compassion, describing her as “a light in dark times and a voice that continues to inspire hope and courage among women.”
The network further charged traditional rulers, religious leaders, and male influencers to speak boldly against domestic violence, noting that silence from men of authority only enables abuse to thrive.
“We call on men of faith, men of power, and men of influence to lead this fight. The message must be clear: real men do not abuse women. Real men protect women. Real men choose peace over pride,” the group added.
WOSCONET extended its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and the people of Amurri community, praying for strength and healing in their grief. It also urged women facing abuse to seek help and never suffer in silence, assuring them of unwavering support and advocacy.
“We mourn, but we will not be quiet. The blood of Mrs. Okoh cries out for justice, and her death must awaken every man’s conscience. No woman should ever die at the hands of a man again. Enough is enough,” the statement concluded.
FOUNTAINCARE MEDIA
