BY ONYEKACHUKWU IBEZIM – Operatives of the National Agency For Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), working in partnership with some vigilante personnel, have arrested three persons in Anambra State for gang-raping a 13-year-old girl.
Speaking on the arrest, Chidimma Ikeanyionwu, media aide to the Commissioner for Women and Social Affairs in Anambra State, Hon Ify Obinabo said the culprits have been handed over to the police and would be charged soon when the investigation is completed.
Giving an insight into the case, Ikeanyionwu stated thus; “According to the victim, the suspects were co-tenants with them but took her to Nkisi River to rape her after they had an altercation with her father.
“The victim while narrating her experience to the commissioner said she was first slapped by the boys, then dragged to Nkisi before she was ordered to remove her clothes as the suspects took turns to have carnal knowledge of her.”
It was gathered that the victim hails from Ohaozara in Ebonyi State while the culprits’ names were given as Sunday, Emelie, Chiedu, and Nwa awọ.
According to available information, only three suspects were arrested, while the fourth person, Nwa awọ allegedly escaped when security operatives invaded the neighbourhood at Nkpor, near Onitsha to pick them up.
The Media Aide further quoted the Commissioner as commending the victim for her courage in speaking up after the incident, even as she assured her that justice would be done in the case and the culprits brought to book.
The Commissioner, who expressed anger over the increasing rate of rape incidents in Anambra state, warned that the Governor Chukwuma Soludo-led administration will not condone such criminal atrocities across the State
The Women Affairs Commissioner also appreciated officials of NAPTIP, Nigeria Police Force (NPF), and Anambra Vigilante Group for their efforts in ensuring the suspects are apprehended.
On interrogation, two of the suspects pleaded for forgiveness while one said he was only present when the incident happened. However, contrary to his claims, the victim insisted that he was the second person to violate her carnally.
Quizzed further on their dastardly act, the suspects disclosed that the decision to rape the girl arose from the disagreement they had with her father.
The suspects have already been handed over to the Police State CID Awka, the Anambra State capital and reports indicate they would soon be arraigned in court for prosecution.
