Edo First Lady Vows Justice for 12-Year-Old Assault Victim

• Edo First Lady’s Office pledges justice for 12-year-old assault victim.
• Community leaders ensure victim’s safety and support.
• Police confirm three suspects in custody.

The Administrator of the Office of Edo State First Lady, Edesili Anani, has vowed to ensure justice for a 12-year-old girl allegedly gang-raped by five men on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2024.

EKO HOT BLOG gathered that the incident happened in Igiafodo Awuyemi, Okpella, Etsako East Local Government Area.

During a visit to the victim, Esther, at the Daisy Ehanire Danjuma Centre, Mrs. Anani condemned the crime and emphasised that the Edo State Government would invoke the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAP) Law to ensure the perpetrators face justice.

“The Edo State Government will leave no stone unturned to ensure these perpetrators are brought to book. Section 4 of the VAP Law defines rape, while Section 5 outlines the punishment. Edo State has zero tolerance for any form of violence, and we stand firmly with the victim,” she said.

Anani criticized the perpetrators for reportedly filming the assault and circulating the video on social media, describing the footage as vital evidence that strengthens the case.

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“The video footage makes it impossible for anyone to cover up this crime. The law will take its course, and these individuals will be dealt with decisively,” she added.

She commended His Royal Highness, Lukeman Akemokue, the Okuokpellagbe of Okpella, and his wife, Blessing, for their swift action in exposing the crime and relocating the victim and her mother to Benin City for safety and medical care amidst threats.

“I want to commend your Highness for his proactive steps. He didn’t hide it; he spoke out. When such things happen, speak up for someone else because tomorrow it could be your child,” she advised.

The Okuokpellagbe expressed gratitude to Governor Monday Okpebholo and the First Lady’s office for their proactive response, assuring that the Okpella community would continue to support the administration’s efforts.

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Anani also visited the Edo State Police Headquarters with the victim and stakeholders. She praised the police for their prompt action and urged them to ensure justice is served.

Edo State Commissioner of Police, Umoru Ozigi, assured Anani of a thorough investigation, confirming that three suspects are in custody. “The victim will get justice,” he pledged.

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