By Peace Temisan Osemwegie
Edo State Government through the Administrator of the Office of the First Lady, Mrs. Edisili Annani, has condemned a heart-wrenching case of a 12-year-old girl who was allegedly gang-raped by five men on December 24, 2024, and recorded on tape in Igiafodo Awuyemi, Okpella, in Etsako East Local Government Area (LGA) of the State.
Speaking during a visit to the young lady at the Diasy Ehanire Danjuma Centre, Mrs Anani vowed that the perpetrators would face the full wrath of the law, citing the provisions of 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 VAPP 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 circulated the video on social media, adding that the evidence strengthens the case against them.
“The video 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 assured. She commended the Okuokpellagbe of Okpella, His Royal Highness, Lukeman Akemokue, and his wife, Blessing for their swift action in bringing the case to light and ensured that both the victim and her mother were relocated to Benin City for safety and medical care due to threats against their lives.
“I really want to commend your Highness. He did a fantastic work with his wife. It happened in his Community, Okpella Kingdom, they didn’t hide it, immediately he saw the videos he took it up, 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, HRH. Akemokue, thanked the Executive Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, and the office of the First Lady for a fantastic job for being proactive in response, noting that Okpella Community will continue to support the administration.
Mrs. Anani was also at the Edo State Police Headquarters with the victim and other stakeholders. She commended the Police for responding promptly and appealed that the little girl gets justice.
In his response, the Edo State Commissioner of Police, CP. Umoru Ozigi commended Mrs. Anani for the visit, assuring that the victim will get justice. He disclosed that three persons are currently in police custody in connection with the crime.
Meanwhile, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Social Development and Gender Issues, Mrs. Irenonsen Joy Ihensekhien, expressed optimism that the Police will apprehend the remaining two suspects, who were at large. She urged the public to always speak out and take advantage of the free services offered by the Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC).
