Nollywood actress, Regina Chukwu, has shared the heartbreaking story of how she lost her husband to tuberculosis just three years into their marriage.
In a recent interview with colleague, Biola Bayo, Chukwu revealed that she married young, in her early 20s, while still a student.
Chukwu’s husband developed tuberculosis due to internal bleeding from a past accident, and his health rapidly deteriorated after the birth of their second child.
Chukwu recalled the painful moment when her husband, overwhelmed by pain, begged her to give him a ‘death injection’.
The Enugu-born actress revealed that despite the family’s efforts, he passed away at 28 years old.
Chukwu said “…I practically saw my father-in-law dragging him. He was dragging him with his two hands. He just said, ‘he is dead’. I was furious. I woke up the next day because I had fainted. I could not say goodbye to him.
“He was already buried. So, when we finished the burial and everything, his sister said, there is no need for me to return to Lagos. They would rent an apartment or start a business for me in Enugu City.”
The actress also spoke about the cultural traditions of her husband’s family, where she is still considered their wife unless her dowry is returned.
She also revealed that her first child was taken from her based on this custom.
“As you see today, I’m still their wife. Ah. Yes, I am not divorced. If I get a divorce, and if I have a husband and he returns their dowry, then I am no longer a wife there.
“As you see today, God forbid, if anything happens to me. So that’s the tradition.”
Regina Chukwu has appeared in several notable films, including ‘Okomi Ale Mi’, ‘Encounter’, ‘Setemi’, ‘Akun’, ‘Awolu at Awalu’, ‘Ewatomi’, ‘Idaho’, and ‘Ogunso’.
In 2022, she expressed her readiness to date again, despite still grieving her husband.
