Edo State Government vowed that the five men involved in alleged gang-raped of a 12-year -old girl in Igiafodo Awuyemi community of Etsako East Local Government Area will face full wrath of the law.
In a statement, Governor Monday Okpebholo’s spokesperson, Fred Itua, cited Mrs. Edesili Anani, the administrator of the Office of Edo State First Lady, as saying that the five men who allegedly gang-raped a 12-year-old girl in the Igiafodo Awuyemi community of Etsako East Local Government Area of the state will face the full force of the law.
Anani made the promise during a visit to the victim at the Diasy Ehanire Danjuma Center.
“The Edo State Government will leave no stone unturned to ensure that these perpetrators are brought to book. Section 4 of the VAP 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 added.
She also praised His Royal Highness Lukeman Akemokue, Okuokpellagbe of Okpella, and his wife, Blessing, for acting quickly to raise awareness of the case and for securing the victim’s and her mother’s relocation to Benin City for safety and medical attention in light of 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.
Akemokue, the Okuokpellagbe of Okpella, expressed gratitude to Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo and the First Lady’s office for their excellent reaction and said the Okpella community would continue to support the administration. Along with the victim and other interested parties, Mrs. Anani was also present at the Edo State Police Headquarters. She urged that the young girl receive justice and praised the police for their swift response.
The Edo State Commissioner of Police, CP. Umoru Ozigi, responded by thanking Mrs. Anani for the visit and promising that the victim will receive justice. He disclosed that three persons are currently in police custody in connection with the crime.
