The Edo State government says justice will be served for a 12-year-old girl, Esther, who was allegedly gang-raped by five male adults, filmed and circulated the video on social media, on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2024.
Fred Itua, Chief Press Secretary to Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, said in a statement that the hideous crime happened in Igiafodo Awuyemi, Okpella, Etsako East Local Government Area.
Mrs Edesili Anani, Administrator, Office of Edo State First Lady during a visit to Esther at the Daisy Ehanire Danjuma Centre on Friday the 10th of January 2025.
She vowed that the perpetrators would face the full wrath of the law, citing the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law.
“The Edo State Government will leave no stone unturned to ensure that these perpetrators are brought to book. Section 4 of the VAP Law defines rape, while Section 5 outlines the punishment.
“Edo State has zero tolerance for any form of violence, and we are standing firmly with the victim,” she stated.
Mrs. Anani, condemned the perpetrators, who reportedly filmed the act and thereafter circulated the video on social media, would strengthens evidence the case against alleged culprits in court.
“The footage makes it impossible for anyone to cover up this crime. The law will take its course, and these individuals will be dealt with decisively,” she said.
She also commended the Okuokpellagbe of Okpella, His Royal Highness, Lukeman Akemokue, and his wife, Blessing for their swift action and medical support for the survivor.
“And I want to say when things like these happen speak out, speak out for somebody else, because tomorrow it could be your own child,” she advised.
On his part, the Okuokpellagbe of Okpella, Akemokue, thanked the State Governor, and the office of the First Lady for their proactive response, noting that Okpella community will continue to support the administration.
Mrs Anani was also at the Police Headquarters in Edo State with the survivor and other Stakeholders.
During the session with the police authorities, the Administrator, commended the Police for responding promptly and appealed that the little girl gets justice.
Responding, the Commissioner of Police in the State, CP. Umoru Ozigi, commended Mrs Anani for the visit, assuring that Esther Friday will get justice and confirmed the arrest of three suspects in connection with the heinous crime.
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