Three men have been taken into custody by the Edo State Police Command in connection with the vicious gang rape of 12-year-old Esther.
The tragic event took place at Okpella, in the state’s Estsako East Local Government Area, on December 24, 2024. The minor was gang-raped by five guys, who then recorded the horrific incident and shared it on social media.
On January 8, 2025, the victim’s mother and the Queen of Okpella took her to the State Ministry of Social Development and Gender Issues.
She is currently receiving therapy and treatment at a government shelter, which offers her a safe haven away from possible dangers in her neighborhood.
On Friday, January 10, Mrs. Edisili Anani, the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, paid the victim and her mother a visit and expressed her condolences and admiration for their courage.
The government is committed to making sure justice is done, Mrs. Anani reassured them.
Three of the five offenders are currently under the jurisdiction of the State police command, while the other two are still at large, according to Mrs. Irenonsen Joy Ihensekhien, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Social Development and Gender Issues.
Mrs. Ihensenkien encouraged everyone to use the sexual assault referral center’s (SARC) free services and to always speak up.
In order to help Ms. Esther deal with the trauma, the Society to Heighten Awareness of Women and Child Abuse (SOTHAWACA) stressed the importance of regular clinical therapy sessions.
Since the incident, the victim has remained silent and has only lately begun to speak a few words. It’s critical that we provide her the assistance she needs to get past this horrible event,” she said.
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