The Edo State Government has assured Justice for a twelve year old girl gang raped by five men and video recorded on December 24,2024,in Okpella,Estako East Local Government.
The Coordinator of the office of the First Lady,Mrs Edisili Anani gave the assurance when she visted the gang rape survivor who was brought to the Ministry of Social Development and Gender Issues on Wednesday, 8th of January,2024 by her mother and the Queen of Okpella.
Mrs. Anani, sympathized with the victim.Mrs. Anani assured the twelve year old girl of the government’s commitment to ensuring justice is served. She also commended the efforts of the Okuokpellagbe of Okpella, HRH Lukman Akemokue and his wife, the Queen for their relentless efforts in ensuring the case reached the appropriate authorities.
On her part, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Social Development and Gender Issues, Mrs. Irenonsen Joy Ihensekhien, disclosed that three out of the five perpetrators are currently in the State police command , while the remaining two are at large.
Mrs Ihensenkien beckoned on the public to always speak out and take advantage of free services of the sexual assault referral centre(SARC ).
His Royal Highness , Lukman Akemokue expressed gratitude to the State Government for their swift action and support. He also offered to collaborate with the government to sensitize his subjects on the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAAP) law, ensuring that ignorance is not used as an excuse for such heinous crimes.
Also speaking, the Managing Director of the GBV Vivian Center, DR. Faith Edebor, appealed to other NGOs and bodies to support and join in the fight to get justice for Ms. Esther.
The Executive Director of Society for Heightened Awareness of Women and Child Abuse(SOTHAWACA)emphasized the need for frequent clinical therapy sessions to help Ms. Esther cope with the trauma. “The victim has been mute since the incidence, and only recently started uttering a few words. It’s essential that we provide her with the necessary support to overcome this traumatic experience,” she noted.
As at presstime the gang rape survivor is receiving treatment and counselling at a Government shelter.