The long arm of the law has caught up with a 21-year-old man who allegedly defiled a five-year-old girl in Ikot Akpan Udo, Ikot Abasi Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
Again, a 29-year-old Akpan Kingsley Effiong of No. 35 Abak Road, Uyo, said to have allegedly defiled his 14-year-old daughter has landed himself in trouble.
Addressing journalists on Wednesday at the state Police Command Headquarters, Ikot Akpan Abia, in Uyo Local Government Area, CP CP Imohimi Edgal said, “On 17/6/2020, Detectives of Ikot Abasi Division apprehended one Etebong Monday Harrison ‘m’, aged 21yrs of Ikot Akpan Udo, Ikot Abasi L.G.A who lured a 5-yr-old girl to his house, and unlawfully had sexual intercourse with her.”
Edgal stated too “Following a tip-off, Operatives of ‘C’ Division apprehended one Akpan Kingsley Effiong ‘m’, aged 29yrs of No. 35 Abak Road, Uyo, who repeatedly defiled his 14yrs old daughter.”
“Following a tip-off on 21/06/2020 at about 1:00 pm, Operatives of ‘A’ Division apprehended one Sunday Otema ‘m’ of Nelson Mandela Street, Uyo. Investigation revealed that the suspect lured a 10-yr-old girl to a bush and had unlawful carnal knowledge of her.
“Following a reliable intelligence on 9/06/2020 at about 5:00 pm, Operatives of Nsit Atai Division apprehended one Udo Ekong Esau ‘m’, aged 55yrs old of Odot 1, Nsit Atai L.G.A. Investigation revealed that a 16-yr-old girl who took refuge in the suspect’s house since November 2019 due to mistreatment by her mother was defiled and impregnated by the suspect,” the Police Commissioner revealed.
He, therefore, enjoined the general public particularly parents and guardians to be more cautious of the integrity of persons to whom they entrust their children and wards, saying the Command’s advice is premised on the fact that some of the minors were sexually violated by their so-called spiritual fathers or persons in authority in the course of hawking.
“To this end, the Command warns that any parent or guardian whose child or ward is sent out to hawk will be arrested and prosecuted in line with the provision of section 30 (2C) of the Child’s Rights Act which prohibits hiring of children for hawking and also prescribes a punishment upon conviction to 10 years imprisonment in section 30(3),” Edgal warned.
“Again, the Police Command urges the good people of the State not to be dissuaded by stigmatization or threats from reporting Gender-Based Violence and other sexual related offences to the Police, as the Command is not only poised to ensure justice but will also ensure that the victims will be given the need protection, medical attention, psychological counseling, and other supports necessary for their well-being.”
