The death of Ronke Shonde at the hands of her husband has brought into sharp focus the topic of domestic violence in the home.
It is a well-known fact that many men beat their wives, but a lot of times it is swept under the rug, like a deformed child the parents don’t want to talk about.
With her death has come an outpouring of opinion and stories from many women. Celebrities such as Waje, Adaeze Yobo and On-air Personality Toolz have spoken on the issue. Another woman to add her voice to the multitude is a woman called Nkiruka Okoro.
She told her tale on her Instagram page in hopes to inspire women who are going through the same thing to have the courage to step out and face their future.
Here’s what she said.
“The domestic violent story that led to the death of Ronke Bewaija Shonde today broke my heart and took me back to memory lane. Yes that is my ex husband and I, I was just 19 years on that photo. you can see the innocence in my eyes.
We where perfect , very perfect , outside but we fought inside .
You see that smile on that picture was plastic .
I was beaten to the alter on my wedding day .
What happened because I was tired and refused to pack plate .
I swallowed it and matched to the alter .
With tears In my eyes the pastor asked will you take him as your husband for better for worse , till death do you part?? Tears rolled down my eyes but the crowed clapped , screaming tears of joy
I embarked on the journey of marriage .
At the age of 19 years I endured like a lion .
This fine young man here is an animal .
He beat me up and even beat up my younger once . The day he beat me to coma , he was beating my lifeless body before he was stopped and I was rushed to the hospital .
Do you know what my mother in law told me as I gained consciousness , she said (nkiru, lucky will beat you again o, get ready cause the father beat me too )
I went back in to coma .
He begged and I went back home .
This continued until I decided to face reality .
But the truth is , do you know why we women endure domestic violence ??? 1) financial security . Yes I was scared to leave because I did not know how to begin financially .
2) society .. Yes after bragging to my friends , and society see you as a lucky perfect girl you will want to keep it that way .
3) loneliness … Yes you are scared if u will find someone better . I was saying who will marry me again , with my boobs like this , stretch marks , milk was still coming out of my boobs as of then , my big tommy etc , I was insecure , so I stayed .
Until one day , I woke and took a strong decision to walk away .
And when I left I left with nothing .
I left empty handed and embarked of this journey .
I kept repeating my name , Nkiruka , Nkiruka , Nkiruka (my future is bigger ) until I reached my destination .
Now I can hit my chest and tell myself I took the right step, even tho I never knew where I was going”