On Sunday, August 25, the Anambra State Government addressed an altercation involving the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Mrs. Chinwe Achugbu, and a Head of Department, identified as Mrs. Nkem.

Mrs. Achugbu, who was appointed as a Permanent Secretary in March 2024 by Governor Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, reportedly had a violent confrontation with Mrs. Nkem at the ministry on Thursday, August 15. The argument, over an undisclosed issue, escalated to physical violence, with Mrs. Achugbu allegedly strangling Mrs. Nkem, leaving her in a coma.

The incident, which occurred at the Dora Akunyili Development Centre, prompted intervention from the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Ify Obinabo, to temporarily restore order. Mrs. Nkem was subsequently rushed to the Chief Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital (Amaku General Hospital) for emergency treatment due to the severity of her injuries.

Reports suggest that there have been previous instances of physical altercations among staff at the ministry.

The Head of Service, Theodora Igwegbe, acknowledged learning about the incident through social media on Friday, August 23, but stated she has not yet received an official report. She promised to take appropriate action following an investigation. Igwegbe noted, “While I have seen the social media reports, I am awaiting a formal report as stipulated by Section 7, Chapter 10 of the Public Service Rules (2021). I have begun inquiries to understand the situation better and will take necessary steps once the formal process is initiated.”