…as Commissioner decries increasing rate of rape incidents in the state
Three persons arrested by operatives of National Agency For Prohibition of Trafficking in Person (NAPTIP) in Anambra State over alleged rape of a 13-year old girl have given reasons for engaging in the act.
The suspects, identified as Sunday, Emelie, Chiedu and Nwa awọ and co-tenants with the victim’s father, said they took her to Nkisi river where they raped her following altercation with her father.
Two of the suspects were said to have admitted to the crime and pleaded for mercy, while their accomplice denied, saying he was only present when the incident happened.
Narrating her ordeal, the victim, a native of Ohaozara, Ebonyi State, said she was first slapped by the suspects, dragged to the river and was ordered to remove her clothes before they took turns to defile her.
She insisted the suspect that pleaded not guilty, was the second to have carnal knowledge of her.
Confirming the incident, Media Aide to Commissioner for Women and Social Affairs, Chidimma Ikeanyionwu said the culprits have been handed over to the Police and would be charged soon.
She said: “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.
“While only three suspects were arrested, the fourth, Nwa awọ allegedly escaped when security operatives invaded the neighborhood at Nkpor, near Onitsha to arrest them.”
According to Ikeanyionwu, Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Hon. Ify Obinabo praised the victim for her courage in speaking up after the incident, assuring her of justice.
“The Commissioner registers her displeasure over the increasing rate of rape incidents in the state, warning that the Prof. Chukwuma Soludo led administration will not condone such.
“She also appreciated officials of the National Agency For Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, Nigeria Police Force and Anambra Vigilante Group for their efforts in ensuring that these suspects are apprehended.
“Although they have been handed over to the Police State CID Awka, they will be arraigned in court for prosecution,” she added.
