The Anambra State Government announced the rescue of a 19-year-old girl who was reportedly gang raped by six youths in the state’s Anam, Anambra West Local Government Area.
On Saturday, Mrs Ify Obinabo, the state’s Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, told reporters that the suspects had been apprehended.
Afam Ezenwa, 17, Chijioke Ifeanyi, 20, Collins Obadom, 18, Abuchi Okechukwu, 16, Chima Obiekezie, and Sunday Okafor, 27 are among the suspects seized.
Obinabo stated that the case has been submitted to the Police Department’s state criminal investigating department for further inquiry.
She said: “When we saw the viral video of the 19-year old girl who was allegedly gang raped by six boys in Anam, we decided to intervene and follow up the case.
“The victim was rescued and in collaboration with the police, the suspects were equally arrested. The ministry will ensure that they face the full wrath of the law”.
The commissioner bemoaned the high rate of crime among criminals and urged parents and guardians to prioritize their children and wards’ upbringing.
She told the victim and her family that Gov. Chukwuma Soludo’s administration would guarantee justice was delivered in order to dissuade offenders.
Narrating her ordeal, the victim said “Despite my plea, they did not stop but continued having their sexual satisfaction while one of them was filming the act.
“On my way home, I was accosted by another set of boys who harassed me and forced me to pull my underwear and give to them, which I obeyed because they threatened to kill me.
“It was a good Samaritan that later took me home to my parents after I narrated what happened to me”.
The rape survivor’s mother, who requested anonymity, stated that her daughter would be the third victim of the accused rape suspects in the region.
“Those boys are known for raping girls and collecting their pants which usually results in the death of their victims after a period of time.
“We are appealing to the state government not to take the matter lightly because my daughter’s life is in danger, especially now that they are yet to retrieve her underwear” she said.
