In a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Ramhan Nansel, it was revealed that the incident occurred on March 2, 2023, in the Obi Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
The statement read: “On 2/3/2023 at about 06:30pm, a complaint was lodged at Obi Division that one Aminu Hashimu, 24 years of age and Lukman Dogara, 18 years, both males of Owolosho street, Obi LGA of Nasarawa state criminally conspired and raped a teenager of 15 years.”
The police said they launched an investigation and a manhunt for the suspects immediately after the report was received. They were eventually arrested at different locations in Obi town and Lafia respectively on March 3, 2023.
The suspects allegedly lured the victim to their residence at Okpe Street, Obi, where they had unlawful carnal knowledge of her. The victim was taken to the hospital for medical examination after the incident.
The Commissioner of Police, Maiyaki Baba, has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the case. The suspects will be charged to court for prosecution once the investigation is concluded.
According to the police, the arrest of the suspects is expected to serve as a deterrent to others who might be contemplating such a heinous act.
The incident has sparked outrage among residents of Nasarawa State, with many calling for justice for the victim. Civil society organizations and women’s groups have also condemned the act and called for stiffer penalties for rapists.
The Nasarawa State Government has assured residents that it will do everything within its power to ensure that justice is served in the case. The government has also called on parents to be vigilant and monitor their children to prevent such incidents from occurring.
Meanwhile, the victim’s family has expressed gratitude to the police for their swift action in apprehending the suspects. They have also called on the government to provide support for the victim, who is said to be traumatized by the incident.
The case has once again brought to the fore the issue of sexual violence against women and children in Nigeria. According to a 2018 survey by the National Bureau of Statistics, one in every four women in Nigeria has experienced sexual violence.
Despite the enactment of laws to protect women and children from sexual violence, many cases still go unreported, and those that are reported often end up unresolved due to a lack of political will and corruption in the justice system.
Experts have called for more awareness campaigns and the establishment of dedicated courts and support centres for victims of sexual violence to address the problem.