Sudbury Woman Seeks Help to Return Mother’s Body to Nigeria After Fatal Attack

• Lydia Ogbejiele seeks community help to repatriate mother’s body.
• The GoFundMe campaign for funeral costs has raised over $14,000.
• Ogbejiele’s husband faces multiple charges, including murder.
• Nigerian Community Association calls for support for the family.
• Discussion on intimate partner violence is urgent for newcomers.

Community Support Needed Following Tragic Incident

In a tragic turn of events, a Sudbury woman, Lydia Imie Ogbejiele, is seeking assistance from her community to repatriate her mother’s body to Nigeria after a horrifying attack that left her mother dead and herself severely injured. Ogbejiele and her sister, Esther Umoru, have launched a GoFundMe campaign aiming to raise $20,000, with just over $14,000 accumulated thus far. The family was in the midst of what should have been a joyous visit; Ogbejiele’s mother had traveled from Nigeria for a family reunion when she was killed by Ogbejiele’s husband, Lucky Ogbeliele.

Details of the Attack Revealed by Victim

The incident unfolded just after midnight on July 2, when Sudbury police responded to a call. Upon arrival, they discovered 32-year-old Ogbejiele outside with serious injuries that, remarkably, were not life-threatening. However, inside the home, they found her mother, 63, with multiple stab wounds, pronounced dead at the scene. Ogbejiele’s children were inside the home, thankfully unharmed physically, though surely traumatized by the events that transpired. The husband, 36-year-old Lucky Ogbeliele, was later apprehended approximately 12 hours after fleeing the scene and is facing several serious charges including first-degree murder and attempted murder.

Calls for Action Against Domestic Violence and Support

Ogbejiele described the harrowing events leading to the attack in her GoFundMe campaign, referring to it as a “tragic and unthinkable incident.” She recounted a mundane moment, returning from work, only to be followed into her home by her husband, who then viciously attacked her. In her account, she emphasized the horror of being unsure about her mother’s fate during her struggle to escape. Despite her own injuries, Ogbejiele expressed a deep sense of grief and responsibility, stating her mother was a good and loving woman who supported both her and her children.

Community Mobilizes to Support Victim’s Family

In wake of the incident, the Nigerian Community Association of Greater Sudbury voiced their sorrow, highlighting the overwhelming burden placed on Ogbejiele. The group has urged the wider community to contribute to the repatriation efforts, recognizing the financial strain that an unexpected loss imposes. In recent outreach, the association discussed the broader context of intimate partner violence among newcomers, acknowledging the complex pressures faced by families and individuals adjusting to new cultural realities. They highlighted the importance of reaching out to those who might exhibit signs of distress or aggressive behavior, urging intervention before violence escalates.

This heartbreaking incident sheds light on the urgent need for community support in the face of domestic violence. With Ogbejiele’s campaign, local residents have the chance to assist a grieving family during a profoundly traumatic time. The broader conversation about intimate partner violence remains critical, particularly for newcomers navigating the challenges of a new environment.