The Anambra State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Mrs Esther Onyekesi, has wept openly over the gang rape of a 16-year-old girl by eight men, including her guardian, in Nawfia, Njikoka LGA.
Onyekesi vowed to ensure all perpetrators are brought to justice.
The Commissioner who was visibly emotional when the victim was brought to her office, expressed deep outrage over the level of trauma the teenager had endured at the hands of adults who were entrusted with her protection.
A medical report presented to the commissioner confirmed that the teenager, whose identity is being withheld, is two months pregnant as a result of the repeated sexual assaults.
The case was reported to the commissioner by a Catholic priest from Nawfia who intervened after learning of the abuse.
According to the victim, her guardian had been forcing himself on her every night, after which other men joined in the sexual assaults.
She said a Good Samaritan facilitated her rescue from the abusive situation last week, after which some arrests were made before she was brought to the commissioner’s office for safety.
The victim further disclosed that the guardian’s wife is a stroke patient and was therefore unable to intervene in the abuse.
Onyekesi condemned the exploitation in strong terms, urging men to protect women and young girls rather than take advantage of their vulnerability.
She assured the girl of her safety and pledged that her office would follow the case diligently to ensure justice was served.
The victim told the commissioner that police at the Nawfia Division had arrested two of the eight suspects, while the remaining six were on the run.
The case is currently being handled at the Nawfia Police Station.
