The Anambra government has called for a comprehensive investigation and prosecution of the case of a 12-year-old girl defiled by an alleged preacher in the state.
Mrs Ify Obinabo, Commissioner for Women and Children’s Affairs, made the call on Friday when Ultimate Businesswomen and farmers Association of Nigeria, an advocacy group, paid her a courtesy visit.
The minor, who lived with the new generation church pastor who also teaches at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, jumped off from two-storey buildings to escape from repeated violations and sustained life-threatening injuries.
Obinabo said the government of Prof Chukwuma Soludo had zero tolerance for rape and child sexual exploitation and would love to see that all cases of violence against women and the girl’s child were prosecuted.
“We have commenced sensitization programmes for women, the girl child and young boys, to avert abuse of the younger generation.
“We also call on groups and faith-based organizations, as well as churches, to teach morals and embrace the culture and traditions of the society for posterity”
On her part, Nkiru Nwagbo, president of Ultimate Businesswomen and farmers Association of Nigeria, said that the body would leave no stone unturned until the victim got justice.
Nwagbo expressed delight that the suspect had been remanded at the Correctional Centre in Awka to soon appear before the court.
“The minor, who is from Ufuma in Orumba North Local government areas of Anambra state, said that when she could not bear the rape, at about 9:30 pm on that fateful day she jumped down from a two-storey building and broke her leg in the process.”
