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.

Peter Obi used his X account to caution Nigerian youths against being drawn into ethnic or religious divisions amid renewed online criticism of Peter Obi over comments involving the General Overseer of Redeemed Christian Church of God, Enoch Adeboye.

He warned that political actors often exploit identity-based narratives when they struggle to compete on ideas, saying such tactics were evident during the 2023 elections and continue in more subtle forms today.

Obi defended Adeboye, describing him as a respected religious leader who has consistently preached peace and unity, and said it was unfair to expect an 84-year-old cleric to take on responsibilities that belong to younger Nigerians.

He also urged young people to verify information before sharing it, resist manipulation, and focus on unity and national development rather than division.

In short: the message was both a defence of Adeboye and a broader warning against ethnic-driven political narratives online.

Sunday Igboho Alleges Political Links to Oyo School Kidnapping

Yoruba Nation agitator, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has claimed that some politicians are behind the abduction of schoolchildren in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

Igboho made the allegation while speaking during a meeting with executives of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), led by Akinteye Babatunde.

He said he is aware of those allegedly sponsoring kidnappers operating in the state and warned that he may publicly name them if the attacks continue.

Igboho Claims He Was Blocked From Rescue Effort

According to him, he had offered to assist in rescuing the abducted schoolchildren but was allegedly prevented from doing so by the Oyo State Government.

He claimed that authorities told him the kidnappers had threatened to kill the victims if any forceful intervention was attempted.

Igboho argued that the abductors are not “supernatural beings” and insisted they could be dislodged if properly confronted.

“If I am permitted to burst into the hideouts, they will flee. They are humans, not gnomes or mannequins,” he said.

Allegation of Political Sponsorship

The activist further alleged that politicians are backing criminal groups with money and weapons, enabling their operations across parts of the state.

“I know the politicians behind them, and if they do not stop their evil acts, I will mention them all,” he said.

He did not provide specific names but maintained that those involved in sponsoring insecurity would eventually be exposed.

Growing Concerns Over Insecurity

The comments come amid rising concerns over kidnappings and attacks on schools and communities in Oyo State and other parts of the country.

Authorities have yet to respond to Igboho’s latest allegations at the time of this report.