An Okada rider, simply identified as Godwin, has been arrested for allegedly defiling his 10-year-old in-law in his home in Kanshio community, in Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State.
Godwin’s evil act came to light when the victim went to purchase an item at a chemist over the weekend.
While there, she told the chemist that she had persistent pain in her stomach, but after much interrogation, the victim opened up that Godwin had been defiling her.
The victim added that when she complained to her aunt, she shrugged it off.
The chemist raised an alarm and reported to youths in the community who apprehended Godwin.
Godwin then confessed to the crime and blamed it on alcohol. According to him, he had an issue with his wife and when he returned home drunk, he slept in the children’s room where he defiled the victim.
He claimed that he only defiled the victim once which was countered by the little girl who said Godwin had defiled her more than three times.
Then, a rights activist, Ukan Kurugh, said the child was taken to the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, adding that Godwin was handed over to officials of National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons in the state.
He said;
Godwin was handed over to vigilantes in the community and after NAPTIP was informed, we mobilised to take him from the vigilantes. Initially, community elders wanted to settle the case, but we insisted that the matter was already with NAPTIP. The girl was later taken to the Benue State University Teaching Hospital for treatment and her father has been contacted.
Meanwhile, the victim’s father has urged the government to intervene in the matter.
He said;
My daughter is still with NAPTIP; she is fine. My mind has not settled, but my sister has been calming me down. I want the government to help my daughter.
On her part, Zonal Commander, NAPTIP Zonal Command, Makurdi, Gloria Iveren-Bai, said the suspect had been arrested, adding that the victim was undergoing counselling in a NAPTIP shelter centre.
She stated;
On Sunday, May 8, 2022, NAPTIP Makurdi Command received a complaint letter from a man who wrote that his nine-year-old daughter was sexually abused by one Godwin Shagbaor.
The victim was rescued and taken to a hospital for various tests and the medical report is being awaited; she is presently undergoing counselling.
She added;
The suspect accepted to have committed the offence but blamed it on alcohol. The suspect is under detention as investigation is ongoing.
