Woman reportedly refuses food, citing divine instruction

28 August 2026, 8:25 am

By Odur Alphonce

A resident of Odyak Village in Odyak Parish, Amolatar District, has reported his wife to Amolatar Central Police Station after she allegedly refused to eat for 10 days.

Omila Micheal told police that his wife, Nancy, claimed God had instructed her not to consume food. He said he reported the matter because he feared he could be held responsible if she died.

Nancy was reportedly apprehended in 2024 by the district security committee, led by the Resident District Commissioner (RDC), after she allegedly refused to participate in the national census. She reportedly argued that God had not approved the exercise.

During an interview, Nancy reportedly said she does not use money, does not support her children attending school and avoids seeking medical treatment. She also described education as being for people who worship Satan and expressed opposition to government programmes.

She further stated that during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021, God instructed her to leave her husband. Since then, she has reportedly refused to share a bed with him, saying she will not have marital relations with him until the end of the world.

Nancy also claimed that she is among those who will not die and that Jesus Christ will return to take her while she is still alive. She reportedly said she would not attend her mother’s burial if her mother died, citing the biblical teaching that “the dead should bury the dead”.

Nancy’s mother, Mary, who lives in Tetugo, Agwata, Dokolo District, said her daughter became a born-again Christian through the PAG Mission at a young age but began behaving differently during the pandemic.

The mother added that Nancy had struggled with infertility for many years before giving birth to a child at the age of 40 following persistent prayer. She said she did not believe her daughter’s current condition was a blessing from God and expressed deep concern over Nancy’s refusal to eat.

Health authorities, community leaders and family members may need to intervene urgently to assess Nancy’s physical and mental wellbeing, while respecting her rights and religious beliefs.