Godsent Ogbebor
The Administrator of the Office of the Edo State First Lady, Edesili Anani, has assured that justice will prevail for a 12-year-old girl who was allegedly gang-raped by five men on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2024, in Igiafodo Awuyemi, Okpella, Etsako East Local Government Area.
During a visit to the Daisy Ehanire Danjuma Centre, where the victim, Esther (not her real name), is receiving care, Mrs. Anani reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to ensuring that the perpetrators face the full weight of the law under the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law.
“The Edo State Government will leave no stone unturned to ensure these perpetrators are brought to book. Section 4 of the VAPP 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,” Mrs. Anani declared.
The case has gained traction after the perpetrators reportedly filmed the assault and circulated the footage on social media. Mrs. Anani condemned the act, stating that the evidence would leave no room for the crime to be swept under the rug.
“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 asserted.
The Okuokpellagbe of Okpella, His Royal Highness Lukeman Akemokue, and his wife, Blessing, were commended for their swift response in exposing the case and relocating the victim and her mother to Benin City for safety after threats were made against their lives.
“I want to commend His Royal Highness and his wife. They did not hide the incident. When they saw the videos, they immediately took action. I urge everyone to speak out when such things happen, because tomorrow it could be your child,” Mrs. Anani said.
The Okuokpellagbe of Okpella, Akemokue, expressed gratitude to Edo State Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo and the Office of the First Lady for their prompt and proactive response. He assured that the Okpella community would continue to support the administration in its fight against violence.
Mrs. Anani also visited the Edo State Police Headquarters alongside the victim and other stakeholders, where she praised the police for their swift action and urged them to ensure that justice is served.
Edo State Commissioner of Police, Umoru Ozigi, confirmed that three suspects were currently in custody in connection with the crime. He commended the First Lady’s Office for their involvement and assured the public that the victim would receive justice.
“The investigation is ongoing, and we will ensure the culprits are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” the Commissioner said.
Meanwhile, the tragic incident sparked outrage and calls for accountability, with the Edo State Government pledging to uphold its zero-tolerance stance on violence against individuals, especially women and children.
