The wife of the Governor of Taraba State, Mrs. Angyin Kefas, on Friday condemned the violent attack on a 17-year-old girl in Donga Local Government Area of the state, describing it as disturbing, unlawful and a violation of the fundamental rights of a minor.
This came as a woman identified as Ramatu Abbas was remanded at the Wukari Correctional Centre following her arraignment before a Magistrate’s Court in Donga over the alleged attack.
In a statement she personally signed and made available to journalists, the First Lady said no child should be subjected to abuse, intimidation or physical harm under any circumstances, stressing that acts of violence and attempts to suppress justice would not be tolerated.
“The brutal and unlawful attack on a 17-year-old girl in Donga Local Government Area is deeply disturbing and unacceptable. It is a clear violation of her fundamental human rights,” the statement partly read.
The governor’s wife called on law enforcement and child protection agencies to ensure the safety of the victim and her guardian and to bring all those responsible to justice.
Meanwhile, the Magistrate’s Court in Donga on Friday ordered that the suspect be remanded in custody pending the determination of the case, which has generated widespread outrage across the state.
PUNCH Online reports that following the incident, the suspect’s husband allegedly divorced her, describing the act as embarrassing and unacceptable. The divorce was said to have been conducted according to Islamic rites.
It was gathered that the suspect initially relocated to her parents’ house before later reporting herself to the police, leading to her arrest and arraignment.
The case centres on allegations that the teenage victim, Iwasen Terhemba, was attacked after rejecting alleged advances from a married man identified as Mr. Abbas, the suspect’s husband.
Community accounts indicated that the girl, who lives with her guardian, Jemila Wanga, had resisted repeated advances from the man, insisting that she was underage and that he was married. Tension reportedly escalated after the suspect became aware of the allegations.
Despite efforts by the guardian to explain the situation and urge the suspect to caution her husband, the matter allegedly degenerated, with the woman accused of storming the girl’s residence and attacking her, leaving injuries on her face.
There were also claims of threats warning the victim and her guardian, a widow, against reporting the incident.
The incident has also drawn condemnation from the Taraba State Government through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Child Development.
In a statement signed by the Commissioner, Mrs. Mary Sinjen, the ministry described the attack as a grave violation of the rights, dignity and safety of a minor, adding that the government had been fully briefed and was coordinating with security agencies to ensure justice.
“This reprehensible act will not be tolerated under any circumstances. Any attempt to intimidate the victim or obstruct due process constitutes a serious offence,” the statement said.
The ministry added that Governor Agbu Kefas had directed that no effort be spared in securing justice for the victim and strengthening protective measures for vulnerable persons across the state.
It also disclosed that medical, psychosocial and legal support were being provided for the victim and her guardian, in collaboration with the Office of the First Lady.
Leave a comment