By Rahaman Yusuf
The guardian of a 12-year-old girl raped in Igbokoda, Ilaje local government area of Ondo state, Madam Joy (other name withheld), has called on government and well-meaning Nigerians to help her get justice for her ward.
Joy, who said she has not been herself since the incident happened, explained that the child is traumatised and is negatively affecting the entire family.
The child, said to have been raped by a northerner on the 19th of May, 2023 was said to be a primary six pupil of a popular school in the community.
According to her guardian:, “she went out to hawk puff-puff because we needed money to pay for her Common Entrance examination and didn’t return on time. I was worried and sent someone to go look for her.
“She came back home wobbly and fell as soon as she got close. She fainted. We realised she was bleeding and rushed her to a hospital where it was confirmed that she was raped.
“She was taken to the theatre and the doctor had to stitch her up as she had tears in her private part.
“It was after she woke up that she narrated how an aboki (sic) raped her.
“We reported the case to the police and they demanded she take us to where the incident happened. There, the police recovered some items as evidence but could not find the rapist.
“We were later told the rapist had run away before their Seriki (leader) confirmed he ran to Kebbi state after some days.
“The police told us they are on the case and have sent people to Kebbi to arrest him.”
Madam Joy, while seeking for justice also appealed for financial help in footing the hospital bills used in treating the young girl.
“I am a poor woman trying to make ends meet. I had to obtain loans to take care of her at the hospital. During that period, I also lost an expensive phone kept in my custody and the owner is already demanding for a replacement. I really need help as I don’t have anyone to go to” she added.
When contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the Ondo state police command, Olufunmilayo Odunlami-Omisanya, said the command is on the verge of bringing the suspect back from Kebbi state where he ran to.
Odunlami-Omisanya promised that justice will take its cause once the guy is arrested brought back, and investigations concluded.
