The Edo State Police Command has apprehended three persons out of the five men allegedly involved in the gang rape of a 12-year-old girl.
Naija News learnt that the hideous crime happened on December 24, 2024, in Igiafodo Awuyemi, Okpella, Etsako East Local Government Area.
In a statement on Friday, the Chief Press Secretary to Edo State Governor, Fred Itua, disclosed that the Administrator, Office of Edo State First Lady, Edesili Anani, visited the victim at the Diasy Ehanire Danjuma Centre.
Anani pledged that justice will be served as the perpetrators would face the full wrath of the law, citing the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law.
She also condemned the perpetrators, who reportedly filmed the act and circulated the video on social media, adding that the evidence strengthens the case against them.
She said, “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.”
She further commended the Okuokpellagbe of Okpella, Lukeman Akemokue, and his wife, Blessing, for their swift action in bringing the case to light and ensuring that the victim and her mother were relocated to Benin City for safety and medical care due to threats against their lives.
She remarked, “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, and I want to say when things like these happen speak out, speak out for somebody else, because tomorrow it could be your own child.”
On his part, Akemokue, thanked the state Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, and the First Lady’s office for being proactive in response, noting that the Okpella community will continue to support the administration.
Anani, who was also at the Edo State Police Headquarters with the victim and other stakeholders, commended the Police for responding promptly and appealed that the little girl gets justice.
In his response, the Edo State Commissioner of Police, CP. Umoru Ozigi, confirmed that three persons are in custody and assured Anani that the victim will get justice.
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