A 17-year-old girl, Iwasen Terhemba, has allegedly been attacked with a razor blade in the Donga Local Government Area of Taraba State, following claims that she was being persistently harassed by a married man.
The incident reportedly occurred at the teenager’s residence on Wednesday. Sources told PUNCH Online that the girl, who lives with her guardian, Jemila Wanga, had been repeatedly approached by a married man identified as Mr Abbas but consistently rejected his advances, citing her age and his marital status.
Trouble allegedly escalated after the man’s wife, Ramatu Abbas, became aware of the situation. Residents said she began issuing verbal threats against the minor.
In a bid to resolve the matter, the guardian reportedly approached Abbas to explain that it was her husband who had been harassing the girl and urged her to caution him.
However, the situation allegedly turned violent when Abbas reportedly went to the girl’s house and attacked her with a razor blade, leaving her with facial injuries.
Community sources further alleged that the suspect warned the victim and her guardian against reporting the incident to the authorities, insisting the matter should be “settled at home.”
Speaking with our correspondent on the phone on Thursday, the guardian appealed for urgent intervention by the authorities, saying she and her children had been threatened.
“I have just lost my husband, and I am still mourning him. They warned me not to report the case to the police and threatened my life and those of my children,” Wanga said, adding that she had been bearing the medical costs of the injured teenager.
She also appealed to the Taraba State Government, particularly Governor Agbu Kefas, to assist the victim with medical treatment and ensure that justice is served.
The incident has sparked outrage in the community, with residents calling for protection for minors and accountability for those involved.
Confirming the incident, the Taraba State Police Command spokesman, Victor Mshelizah, said the case had been reported, and investigations were ongoing.
“The victim was at the police station, and her statement has been taken. The case file is being compiled and will be charged to court,” he said.
Mshelizah added that attempts by some community members to discourage the victim from pursuing the case would not stop the police from doing their job.
“We are aware of pressures being mounted on the family to withdraw the case, but we will ensure that anyone found culpable is brought to justice”, he said.
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