By Kamsi Anayo
A 35 year old man, Mr Joseph Egwuatu has allegedly raped the two years old daughter of his brother.
The incident happened in Nzam, Anambra West Local Government Area of Anambra State.
It was gathered that the culprit, Egwuatu visited his brother’s house and sent their relative, who was taking care of the baby on an errand, before allegedly commiting the act on the little baby.
The culprit who was arraigned before the Children, Sexual and Gender Based Violence Magistrate court in Awka on Wednesday, was said to have been remanded in prison.
Reacting to the news, the Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Anambra State, Hon. Ify Obinabo in a press release by her media aide, Chidinma Ikeanyionwu expressed sadness over the incident, but assured that justice will take it’s full course.
The commissioner added that the ministry will soon commence a media tour to sensitize Anambra people on the dangers and consequences of rape, child molestation, child labor, abuse and other related issues.
She urged everyone to shun all forms of vices in the society by being agents of change.
Ikeanyionwu further revealed that the culprit, after his arraignment told his own side of the story, denying having canal knowledge of the baby.
He said he only opted to help babysit the child when he was asked by one of the relatives to do so, when she went on an errand.
He said, he had stepped aside to get a few things done in the house when he heard the baby crying and decided to check on her, and discovered her in pool of her own blood, with lots of tear in her vaginal area.
A family source who pleaded anonymity said the child will be two years old on April 19, 2023.
She revealed that the child’s sexual organs was brutally damaged, adding that Egwuatu intentionally sent the child’s minder on an errand before engaging in the act.
The child has since been taken to the hospital for medical attention, while the court ordered the culprit to be remanded in prison custody.