From Abel Leonard, Lafia
The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) has vowed to ensure that a policeman alleged to have raped and impregnated his niece in Nasarawa State is prosecuted to serve as a deterrent to other sex offenders.
Nasarawa FIDA Chairperson Mrs Rabiatu Addra made the disclosure while addressing reporters on Wednesday in Lafia, the state capital.
She explained that a whistleblower had reported to them that the 15-year-old victim was repeatedly raped by an uncle she was staying with after the death of her father.
She said that on receipt of the whistleblower’s report, FIDA in conjunction with the Sexual and Gender Based Violence Response team (SGBV) facilitated and mobilised the police, which led to the arrest of the suspect.
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“Our team with the police took the victim to the hospital and paid for her treatment but, unfortunately, she lost the six-month-old baby.
“The state Ministry of Justice further paid the bill for a DNA test as part of the ongoing investigation to ascertain the real culprit,” the FIDA chairperson added.
She said that the victim is discharged from the hospital and is now safe and has been reunited with her family.
Mrs Rabiatu Addra said that the group would not stop until justice is served and appealed to the police to ensure a thorough investigation of the matter.
She therefore said that the team is always ready and prepared to promote, protect and serve the rights of women and children while calling on victims of abuse to speak out.