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Veteran Nollywood actress Gina Onuoha has expressed concern over what she described as a rising culture of domestic violence and child abuse in Igbo communities.
In a lengthy video message, the actress said she had spent the past few days watching disturbing videos and images on social media showing cases of Igbo men assaulting women and Igbo women mistreating children placed in their care as domestic helpers.
“There is a problem in Igboland,” Onuoha declared, lamenting what she called the increasing normalisation of abuse and toxic behaviour within the community.
She criticised some men who use their role as providers to justify abusive conduct, insisting that “money doesn’t make you an Odogwu” and that true manhood is defined by character, integrity, and responsibility.
The actress also condemned women who transfer frustrations from their marriages or personal lives onto vulnerable children, describing such actions as wicked and unacceptable. She further called for stricter measures against the practice of sending underage children to live with relatives or strangers as house helpers.
Onuoha urged governors, traditional rulers, churches, and community leaders across the South-East to begin addressing this issue through town hall meetings, sermons, and public discussions.
According to her, ongoing violence against women and the abuse of children could have long-term consequences for the future of the Igbo people.
While acknowledging that many Igbo men and women are decent and responsible, she maintained that the rising number of abuse cases should not be ignored.
“There is a problem in our community,” she said, warning that unless difficult conversations are held and meaningful changes are made, the situation could worsen.
