Police Officer, 2 Others Arrested Over Alleged Rape of 13-Year-Old Girl in Niger
By Victor Idajili
A serving police officer with the Niger State Police Command is among three men arrested for allegedly raping a 13-year-old girl, the Niger State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hajiya Hadiza Kuta, has confirmed.
Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Minna on Monday, Kuta said the girl was repeatedly assaulted by the three suspects before the case was brought to the ministry’s attention.
According to the commissioner, the victim’s parents reported the matter to the ministry after they said their own efforts to get justice kept being blocked.
“The parents told the ministry that their efforts to seek justice were consistently obstructed, which prompted them to seek the ministry’s assistance,” Kuta said.
She added that the suspects allegedly took advantage of the girl after buying chickens from her. Efforts are now being made, she claimed, to distract from the rape allegations by accusing the victim of stealing livestock.
Kuta said the ministry has moved the girl out of her community for safety and placed her under protective custody. She will also receive medical care, psychological evaluation, counselling, and other support to help her recover from the trauma.
The commissioner described the incident as part of a worrying rise in rape cases involving minors and teenagers. She also criticized the practice of granting bail to rape suspects shortly after arraignment, saying it denies families justice and emboldens perpetrators.
“It is distressing to observe that cases of this nature frequently cause significant psychological trauma, undermining the educational aspirations of young girls. The future of these children can be irreparably damaged by the actions of the perpetrators,” she said.
Kuta stressed that a thorough investigation is underway and that the charges filed will determine how strong the prosecution’s case will be in court.
She also warned about the risks of street hawking, especially for girls, and reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to pursuing justice for the victim.
“As part of its intervention, the ministry will ensure justice prevails and remains committed to protecting the rights and welfare of victims,” she said. _(NAN)_
