Anambra Govt Fumes As Eight Men Rape 16-Year-old Girl In Nawfia community

The Anambra State government has vowed to pursue full justice for a 16-year-old girl who was allegedly gang-raped by eight men, including her guardian, in Nawfia community, Njikoka Local Government Area.

The state Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Esther Onyekesi, made the pledge on Thursday in Awka after the victim, whose name is being withheld, was brought to her office.

Visibly emotional and fighting tears, Onyekesi condemned the attack in strong terms. She said every person involved must face prosecution to deter similar crimes against women and children.

According to her, the level of trauma inflicted by adults who were supposed to protect the teenager is unacceptable and heartbreaking.

A medical report submitted to the commissioner confirmed that the girl is two months pregnant as a result of repeated sexual assaults.

The case came to light after a Catholic priest from Nawfia reported it to the ministry following his intervention in the abuse.

“We condemn this act in the strongest terms,” Onyekesi said. “The ministry will ensure all perpetrators of this dastardly act are brought to justice to serve as a deterrent to others.

“We are outraged by the trauma this young girl endured at the hands of those entrusted with her care. This cannot be tolerated.

“We call on men to protect women and girls instead of exploiting their vulnerability. The ministry has assured the victim of her safety and will follow this case closely until justice is served.”

Recounting her ordeal, the teenager said her guardian had been raping her nightly before other men began joining the assaults.

She added that a “Good Samaritan” helped her escape the situation last week. Some arrests followed before she was moved to the commissioner’s office for protection.

The victim also revealed that her guardian’s wife, who is a stroke patient, was unable to intervene or stop the abuse.

She told the commissioner that police at Nawfia Division have arrested two of the eight suspects, while six others remain at large.

The case is currently being handled at the Nawfia Police Station.

The incident comes months after the body of 60-year-old Victoria Adegoke was found abandoned in a nearby bush in May. She was discovered naked and is suspected to have been raped and strangled before her body was dragged into the bush.