Suspects who raped underage children won’t escape prosecution – Abia govt

The Abia State government has pledged to prosecute those responsible for the rape and defilement of five minors and one adult in the region. A 10-year-old girl who endured the sexual assault received surgical treatment at the state's Nchedo Sexual Assault Referral Centre. Additionally, the government assured that the individual who brutally assaulted a pregnant woman would face legal consequences.

At Government House in Umuahia, Abia State Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, announced this pledge during a press briefing following the Executive Council meeting led by Governor Alex Otti.

Kanu disclosed that seven Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and Sexual Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) cases, including six instances of sexual violence and one case of domestic violence, had been reported in the state. These cases involved five minors aged between 10 and 14 years and two adult women aged between 25 and 40 years. The incidents encompassed alleged defilement, rape, and domestic violence against a pregnant woman.

The Nchedo Sexual Assault Referral Centre provided medical and supportive services to the survivors, including surgical intervention for the 10-year-old survivor who experienced severe vaginal bleeding. The commissioner emphasized that all the reported cases were documented to ensure appropriate protection, investigation, referral, and legal processes. Kanu reaffirmed the administration's unwavering commitment to holding perpetrators of gender-based violence accountable, regardless of the challenges they may face.

Furthermore, the commissioner highlighted that this year's World Igbo Day, which will be hosted by Abia State, will serve to unite Ndigbo and pay respects to fallen Igbo legends.