The Benue State House of Assembly has passed a landmark bill aimed at establishing the Benue State Widows Commission to protect widows from exploitative and harmful cultural practices prevalent in some communities across the state.
The legislation, titled “A Law to Establish the Benue State Widows Commission and for Related Purposes, 2025,” was formally passed during plenary on Tuesday, in Makurdi after its third reading. The bill prohibits dehumanizing traditional rites imposed on widows, safeguards their rights from exploitative acts, and prescribes punishments for offenders.
Leading the debate, the Chairman of the House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Mrs. Beckie Orpin (APC/Gboko East), described the bill as highly significant, noting that it addresses the challenges faced by one of society’s most vulnerable groups.
She emphasized that the passage of the law would position the House as a champion in fulfilling its constitutional responsibility to protect the weak and marginalized.
The Majority Leader, Mr. Thomas Dugeri (APC/Kwande West), moved the motion for the adoption of the committee’s findings, recommendations, and all clauses of the bill, which was unanimously supported by members.
Following the passage, Speaker Alfred Embergera directed the Clerk, Dr. Bem Mela, to transmit the bill to the Governor for assent.