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Summary
Man identified as Godstime Didimako pours acid on intimate partner, Blessing, leaving her severely injured and in urgent need of medical attention
Godstime Didimako, 35, has been reported to have poured acid on his intimate partner in the presence of their young daughter on June 6, 20204. Godstime was said to have met Blessing at 17 when he was 28. After which he convinced her to move in with him following her first pregnancy. The duo currently shares two children.
Source familiar to the case recount that Godstime’s violent attack happened after Blessing returned home from charging her phone at a local charging center. He was seen to be mixing a substance. When Blessing inquired about it, witnesses reported that he threw a bucket of acid at her and proceeded to lock her inside the house, trapping her after the brutal assault.
Acid attacks is a form of gender-based violence that is often used as a tool of revenge or punishment. Studies show that of the 1500 acid attacks reported each year, 80% of these attacks are perpetrated by men against women. The corrosive substance can lead to disfigurement, blindness, and permanent disability depending on where the acid strikes. It can also have long-term effects on survivors’ emotional, social, and psychological well being.
However, following the acid attack, the couple’s daughter desperately struggled to break the door, eventually managing to escape and get help. The neighbours quickly intervened by pouring red oil on Blessing, a common first-aid attempt to treat acid burns, before she was taken to the hospital for further medical attention.
It is reported Godstime carried out the horrific acid attack on Blessing because he believed she was planning to leave him.
For many women, the act of leaving an abuser marks the highest risk of harm. When a survivor prepares to leave or actually leaves an abusive relationship, it can trigger a dangerous response from the abuser who may retaliate with violence such as acid attacks, femicide, kidnapping, manipulation or coercion to regain control and stop them from leaving.
Since the brutal acid attack, Blessing has reportedly not received adequate hospital treatment, she has no family support or resources.
While Blessing is said to still recovering from the Godstime violence, she continually faces threats from Godstime and his father. Sources reported on social media that have told her that she “can never do anything” and have refused to contribute to her medical treatment, further endangering her life and well-being.
Godstime is reported to have a history of physically abusing Blessing, with the abuse escalating to the horrific acid attack that has left her fighting for her life.
Consistent with World Health Organization (2013) observation, studies show that nearly 1 in 3, or 30%, of women have been subjected to physical and/or sexual violence by an intimate partner and 38% of murders of women are committed by intimate partners.
However, social media users have reacted overwhelmingly, demanding a thorough police investigation and swift action against the perpetrator.
“He must be arrested, his father is an enabler of his crimes,” Facebook user, South Tma says .
X User @OlolaTohRhea also commented:
“To be clear, this is attempted femicide. He meant to kill her! Femicide is a form of GBV. It is the intentional killing of women and girls by men who are their intimate partners/relatives/acquaintances. It is usually characterised by domestic violence or sexual abuse, over time.”
Women’s right advocate, Feminist and Founder of Naija Feminist Media, Simbiat Bakare also commented on the event.
“The incidence is yet another evidence of the epidemic of male violence against women. It shows how little men regard women’s lives. However, it is unacceptable for men to continue to express their rage on women unregarding of their humanity.”
