The tragic death of Chief Shimite Winifred Bello, a respected and influential figure in Delta State, has sent shockwaves across Nigeria and beyond. Known not only for her political influence as the Special Adviser to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori on Trade and Export, but also for her strong presence in her community as a titled Chief in the Ebu Kingdom, her untimely and brutal passing has stirred a national conversation on domestic violence and the silent suffering that many women endure behind closed doors.
On April 21, 2025, the nation awoke to the heart-wrenching news that Chief Shimite Bello had allegedly been murdered by her husband, Pastor David Favour Love. The details are still unfolding, and while investigations are ongoing, the early evidence points to yet another tragic case of domestic violence that escalated into fatality.
This was not just a private loss; it was a societal tragedy. Chief Bello was a beacon of empowerment for women, a champion for economic development, and a beloved daughter of the land.
How did it come to this?
How does a woman of such public stature, strength, and success, end up a victim in what should have been the safest space, her own home?
This incident, like many others before it, highlights a deeply rooted issue in our society: the normalization and minimization of domestic abuse. Too often, cultural expectations, religious teachings, societal pressures, and fear of stigma keep women locked in toxic, dangerous marriages. The belief that a woman must “endure” or “pray through” abuse is a narrative that has silenced countless cries and tragically, buried countless victims.
A Culture of Silence
Domestic violence is not new, but its veil of secrecy remains stubbornly intact. Many women, like Chief Shimite, carry their burdens in silence, masking bruises, both physical and emotional, with smiles, makeup, and impeccable public appearances.
Friends may suspect, family members may whisper, but rarely does anyone speak up or intervene until it’s too late.
In many traditional African societies, marriage is revered as a sacred bond, and rightly so. But that reverence has been weaponized against victims of abuse. The fear of being labeled a “failed wife,” the shame of divorce, or the fear of economic instability often forces women to remain in harmful relationships, hoping things will change. Yet, history has shown us time and time again: abuse left unaddressed only escalates.
Her Death is a Wake-Up Call
The death of Chief Shimite Bello must not be just another headline. It must serve as a wake-up call. If a woman as accomplished and admired as she could be silenced in her own home, then no woman is truly safe in a society that still turns a blind eye to domestic violence.
We must honor her memory by doing more, by speaking out, supporting survivors, holding abusers accountable and breaking the generational cycles that normalize violence.
A Message to Women: Your Life Is Priceless
To every woman reading this, know this truth: you are not meant to suffer in silence. You are not here to endure abuse for the sake of appearances, tradition, or religion.
You are not a failure for choosing your safety over a toxic marriage.
You deserve peace, love, and respect, not just behind closed doors, but everywhere.
If your marriage is threatened by domestic violence, whether it’s physical, emotional, psychological, sexual or financial abuse, please, leave.
Your life is worth more than any title, vow or societal expectation.
There is no shame in choosing yourself.
There is no weakness in walking away from pain.
There are shelters, support groups, counselors and people willing to help.
You do not have to walk alone.
Speak to someone you trust. Call a helpline. Reach out to women’s organizations in your area.
Take that first step. Because you matter. Your children need you alive.
The world needs your light. And you owe yourself the chance to heal and begin anew.
Chief Shimite Bello’s life was a testament to strength, service, and grace. Her death, though painful, should ignite change.
Let her story not be in vain.
Let it be the reason one woman walks away today.
Let it be the reason one community finally confronts the darkness of domestic violence.
May her soul rest in peace, and may her legacy live on in every woman who finds the courage to survive.
