Edo Govt Vows Justice for 12-Year-Old Gang Rape Victim
Posted byBy LegalLinkz
January 10, 2025
3 Min Read
The Edo State Police Command has apprehended three out of five suspects allegedly involved in the gang rape of a 12-year-old girl in Igiafodo Awuyemi, Okpella, Etsako East Local Government Area.
The heinous act, which occurred on December 24, 2024, has sparked widespread outrage, with the Edo State Government pledging to ensure justice for the victim.
Government’s Commitment to Justice
Fred Itua, the Chief Press Secretary to the Edo State Governor, announced that Edesili Anani, Administrator of the Office of the Edo State First Lady, visited the victim at the Diasy Ehanire Danjuma Centre.
Anani vowed that the perpetrators would face the full wrath of the law under the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act, condemning their actions and the circulation of a video of the crime on social media.
She stated:
“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. 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.”
Innocent Rape Victims
Commendation for Community Leaders
Anani commended the Okuokpellagbe of Okpella, Lukeman Akemokue, and his wife, Blessing, for their immediate actions in bringing the case to light. Their efforts ensured the relocation of the victim and her mother to Benin City for safety and medical care amid threats against their lives.
She added:
“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. I want to say, when things like these happen, speak out for somebody else, because tomorrow it could be your own child.”
The Okuokpellagbe, Lukeman Akemokue, expressed gratitude to the Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, and the First Lady’s office for their swift response. He assured the community’s continued support for the government’s efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice.
