Edo Govt Vows Justice for 12-Year-Old Gang-Rape Victim; Three Suspects in Custody
Benin City, Edo State – January 10, 2025 – The Edo State Government has pledged unwavering support for a 12-year-old girl who was allegedly gang-raped by five men on Christmas Eve in Igiafodo Awuyemi, Okpella, Etsako East Local Government Area. The Administrator of the Office of the Edo State First Lady, Mrs. Edesili Anani, delivered this assurance during a visit to the victim at the Diasy Ehanire Danjuma Centre.
Mrs. Anani emphasized the state government's zero-tolerance policy towards violence and vowed to utilize the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law to ensure the perpetrators face the full weight of the law. The fact that the perpetrators reportedly filmed the act and circulated the video online was cited as strengthening the case against them.
“The video footage makes it impossible for anyone to cover up this crime,” Mrs. Anani stated. “The law will take its course.”
Mrs. Anani commended the Okuokpellagbe of Okpella, His Royal Highness Lukeman Akemokue, and his wife, Blessing, for their swift response in bringing the case to light and ensuring the victim and her mother were relocated to Benin City for safety and medical care following threats to their lives. She urged others to speak out against such crimes.
The Okuokpellagbe expressed gratitude to Governor Monday Okpebholo and the First Lady's office for their swift and proactive response, assuring continued support for the administration.
Following a visit to the Edo State Police Headquarters with the victim and other stakeholders, Mrs. Anani praised the police for their prompt action and reiterated her appeal for justice. Edo State Commissioner of Police, CP Umoru Ozigi, confirmed that three suspects are currently in custody, assuring that the case will be thoroughly investigated and that justice will be served. The investigation is ongoing.