Eight Men Attack 16-Year-Old Girl in Anambra

The Anambra State government has promised to ensure justice for a 16-year-old girl who was gang-raped by eight men, including her guardian, in Nawfia community, Njikoka Local Government Area.

The state Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Esther Onyekesi, made this known when the victim, whose name is not revealed, was brought to her office in Awka on Thursday.

Onyekesi promised that all those involved in this horrible act will be brought to justice. She wants this to serve as a warning to others.

The Commissioner was visibly emotional when the victim arrived at her office. She expressed deep anger over the trauma the teenager faced from adults who should have protected her.

A medical report shown to the commissioner confirmed that the girl is two months pregnant due to the repeated sexual assaults.

A Catholic priest from Nawfia reported the case to the commissioner after he learned about the abuse and intervened.

Onyekesi said, “The state government condemned this act in strong terms, and the ministry will ensure that all perpetrators in this horrible act are brought to justice to serve as a warning to others.

“We express deep outrage over the trauma the young girl has faced from adults who were supposed to protect her. This is unacceptable.

“We urge men to protect women and young girls, not take advantage of them. The ministry assured the victim of her safety and promised to follow the case closely to ensure justice is done.”

While sharing her story, the victim said her guardian had been forcing himself on her every night, and then other men joined in the assaults.

She mentioned that a “Good Samaritan” helped her escape the abusive situation last week, leading to some arrests before she was taken to the commissioner’s office for safety.

The victim also noted that the guardian’s wife is a stroke patient and could not help her during the abuse.

She informed the commissioner that police at Nawfia Division arrested two of the eight suspects, while the other six are still on the run.

It was reported that the case is now being handled at the Nawfia Police Station.