Six individuals named Afam Ezenwa, Chijioke Ifeanyi, Collins Obadom, Abuchi Okechukwu, Chima Obiekezie, and Sunday Okafor have been apprehended for the alleged gang rape of a 19-year-old girl in Anambra State.
The incident occurred in the Anam community, located in the Anambra West Local Government Area, a few days ago.
According to reports, the suspects, whose ages range from 16 to 27, allegedly carried out the assault by ambushing the victim and coercing her into a room, where they took turns violating her.
The state Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Ify Obinabo, collaborated with law enforcement authorities to apprehend the suspects.
The rape victim has been rescued, and the suspects have been transferred to the state Criminal Investigative Department of Police in Awka. They will face charges in court for their alleged crime.
The arrests were made in response to a viral video circulating on the internet, depicting the purported gang rape of a 19-year-old girl by approximately six boys in Anam, Anambra West LGA.
She said, “The ministry and security operatives did not only rescue the victim but equally apprehended the suspects and had the case transferred to the state criminal investigative department of police in Awka where they would be charged to court for their crime.
“The high rate of crimes amongst delinquents in Anambra is alarming. Parents and guardians should stop sparing the rod and thereby spoil the child.
“The administration of Prof. Chukwuma Soludo will not allow any form of crime to strive in the state, justice will take its full course.”
The victim, during questioning, described how the incident occurred when she visited her mother’s house in Oramaetiti. She was unexpectedly attacked by a group of boys who took her to a room and proceeded to sexually assault her one after another.
Despite her pleas, the assailants persisted in their actions, while one of them recorded the act. Eventually, some neighbors heard her cries for help and came to her rescue. After being saved, she headed home but was confronted by another group of boys along the way.
They harassed her, forced her to remove her underwear, and threatened to kill her if she didn’t comply. Fearing for her life, she obeyed their demands.
Fortunately, a kind stranger later accompanied her back to her parents’ home. The victim’s mother, who wishes to remain anonymous, revealed that her daughter is the third victim of these alleged rapists, who are known for sexually assaulting girls and taking their underwear. Tragically, their victims often end up losing their lives after some time.
In light of these grave circumstances, the mother implores the state government to treat the case with utmost seriousness, as her daughter’s life is in danger, especially considering that her personal belongings have yet to be recovered.
