By Thompson Yamput
The Police in Kogi and the State
Government on Thursday disagreed over alleged rape case of a 3-year-old girl.
The girl, name withheld, was allegedly raped by a 39 year-old man, one Elisha Daniel.
ephemeralnews.com.ng reports in Lokoja that while the Police claimed that Daniel only sexually assaulted the 3-yaer-old by their investigations, the State government went on to described it as a rape case.
SP Williams Ovye-Aya, the State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, told ephemeralnews.com.ng in an interview that when the case of sexual assault was reported at the police ‘D’ Division, Lokongoma, Lokoja, action was immediately taken
“The Investigation Police Officer and the parents of the survivor (3-year-old girl) went to the Police Hospital, Lokoja for Medical examination.
“The results of the Medical examination with hospital numbe: 02-02-05, shows that on examination, there is normal vulga and vagina, Nil discharge, Nil bruises or bleeding seen and Hymen intact.
“Following the above medical results, there is no point to prove an offence of Rape. Instead, the suspect committed an offence of indecent assault on the minor.
“The suspect has confessed that, he put his finger into the vagina of the survivor.
“He will be arraigned in court soon, ‘” Ovye-Aya declared.
But Mr Kingsley Fanwo, Commissioner for Information, while speaking with newsmen in Lokoja on Thursday described the incident as a rape case in which the rape victim deserves justice.
Fanwo, who said Daniel is a 40 year-old man, alleged the suspect raped the 3-year-old girl.
The Commissioner, however, described the act as “barbaric” and urged the residents not to tolerate “conscienceless people” around them but rather expose them.
He said that Gov. Ahmed Ododo has already directed the stare Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice to ensure the right legal framework was applied to secure justice for the little girl and the society at large.
“The governor has also tasked the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development with providing immediate support to the victim to help her recover from the trauma.
‘These steps are to show to the family of the victim that they are not in this alone, but that the government is committed in this fight, ” he said.
The Commissioner emphasized government’s commitment to ensuring the suspect faces the full wrath of the law.
According to him, the governor has also given a marching order to the Secretary to the State Government and other officials to work closely with the Nigerian Police Force to ensure the accused is prosecuted without delay.
He condemned the act, which he further described as “appalling and unconscionable.
“For a man of 40 years to attempt destroying the life of a 3-year-old in the name of rape is unacceptable.
“Our society must have zero tolerance for such heinous acts. The law must not only bark but bite hard to send a clear message that such behaviour will not be condoned.
“The accused must explain his actions in court and to the public. Justice must prevail, and we will ensure this case sets a precedent for handling such abominable acts in the state.
“This case underscores the state government’s resolve to stand against all forms of violence and exploitation, particularly those targeting vulnerable members of society, ” Fanwo declared.
However, the suspect, who was apprehended by the police was said to be cooperating with police investigators. (ephemeralnews.com.ng)
