The Anambra State government has promised to deliver justice for a 16-year-old girl who was repeatedly gang-raped by eight men, including her legal guardian, in the Nawfia community of Njikoka Local Government Area.
State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Esther Onyekesi, made the declaration on Thursday when the teenage victim was brought to her office in Awka. The commissioner, visibly overcome with emotion, wept openly as she listened to the survivor’s account.
Onyekesi vowed that all perpetrators involved in what she described as a “dastardly act” would face the full weight of the law, stating that such prosecutions would serve as a critical deterrent to others who might exploit vulnerable young women.
Victim’s Guardian Among Suspects
According to the teenager’s testimony, her guardian had been forcing himself on her every night before other men joined in the repeated sexual assaults. The guardian’s wife, the victim disclosed, suffers from a stroke and was physically incapable of intervening to stop the abuse.
A medical report presented to the commissioner confirmed the devastating physical consequence of the assaults: the 16-year-old is now two months pregnant.
Catholic Priest Intervenes
The case came to official attention through a Catholic priest from Nawfia community, who learned of the abuse and immediately intervened on the victim’s behalf. The priest facilitated bringing the teenager to the commissioner’s office for protection.
Police Investigation Underway
The victim told Commissioner Onyekesi that a “Good Samaritan” had orchestrated her rescue from the abusive situation last week, leading to initial arrests before she was taken to safety at the ministry.
Police at the Nawfia Division have arrested two of the eight suspects, according to the victim. The remaining six are currently at large and being pursued by law enforcement authorities. The case is now being handled at the Nawfia Police station.
Government Response
Speaking with visible outrage, Commissioner Onyekesi condemned the crime in the strongest possible terms.
“The state government condemns this act in strong terms, and the ministry will ensure that all perpetrators in this dastardly act are brought to justice to serve as a deterrent to others,” Onyekesi said.
She expressed deep distress over the level of trauma the teenager had endured at the hands of adults entrusted with her protection, calling the situation “unacceptable.”
“We urge men to protect women and young girls, rather than take advantage of their vulnerability,” the commissioner added. “The ministry assured the victim of her safety and pledged to follow the case diligently to ensure justice is served.”
Previous Incident in the Area
The case emerges against a backdrop of growing concern over sexual violence in the region. In May, the body of 60-year-old Victoria Adegoke was discovered abandoned in a nearby bush. The woman was found naked, with authorities suspecting she had been raped and strangled before her body was dragged from the scene.
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