In a shocking case of domestic violence and forced marriage, Ruth Awai, a young Nigerian woman, has detailed her escape from months of horrific abuse by her husband, who she was forced to marry in May 2024.
Following the death of her father, Ruth’s uncle—her legal guardian—arranged her marriage to an older man against her will.
Despite objections from her widowed mother, the marriage proceeded, leaving Ruth with no one to protect her from the horrors that followed.
Ruth revealed that she never loved her husband and rejected his advances, leading to repeated instances of brutal violence and sexual assault.
“He told me he had paid my bride price, so he owns me and can do whatever he likes,” she recounted.
On several occasions, Ruth tried to seek help, including filing a report with the police.
However, authorities dismissed her case as a “family issue” and released her husband the same day.
This emboldened him to escalate his abuse, threatening to have her circumcised to make her more submissive.
He warned that if she refused, he would have his associates rape her and dispose of her body.
On October 24, Ruth’s ordeal took a terrifying turn when she refused to comply with her husband’s circumcision plans.
He and his accomplices tied her up, beat her with iron rods and sticks, and left her in a pool of blood.
Despite her injuries, Ruth managed to contact a friend, who helped her escape to a hospital for treatment.
Even while hospitalized, Ruth continued to face threats. Her husband harassed her mother and friend, demanding her location and vowing to kill her and anyone
