By Kamsi Anayo
Six suspects have been arrested for allegedly gang-raping a 19-year-old girl in Anam community, Anambra West Local Government Area of Anambra state.
The suspects were identified as Afam Ezenwa, Chijioke Ifeanyi, Collins Obadom, Abuchi Okechukwu, Chima Obiekezie and Sunday Okafor
The suspects, who are between the ages of 16, 17, 18, 20 and 27 years old, carried out the evil act after ambushing and forcing the victim into a room where they took turns to defile her.
The state Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Mrs Ify Obinabo, in collaboration with security operatives in the state arrested the suspects.
Obinabo said that the victim was rescued, and the suspects transferred to the state Criminal Investigative Department of Police in Awka, where they would be charged to court for their crime.
She said the arrest was carried out following a viral video on the internet of a 19-year-old girl who was allegedly gang raped by about six boys in Anam community.
She said: “The ministry and security operatives did not only rescue the victim but equally apprehended the suspects and had the case transferred to the state criminal investigation department of police in Awka where they would be charged to court for their crime.
“The high rate of crimes amongst delinquents in the state is alarming. Parents and guardians should stop sparing the rod…
“The administration of Gov. Chukwuma Soludo will not allow any form of crime to thrive in the state, justice will take its full course.”
The victim, during interrogation, explained that the incident happened when she visited her maternal home in Oramaetiti and got ambushed by a group of boys who took her to a room and took turns to defile her.
She noted that despite her plea, the suspects did not stop, but continued with the criminal act.
She said that while the hoodlums also filmed the ignominious sexual crime, and went away with her pants.
She stated further that after her rescue by some neighbours who heard her shouting for help, she left for her house only to be accosted by another set of boys who again raped her.
She revealed that it was a good Samaritan that later took her home to her parents.
The mother of the victim, who pleaded anonymity, said her daughter was the third victim of the alleged rape by the suspects as they are known for raping girls and collecting their pants which usually results in the death of their victims after a period of time.
She, therefore, urged the state government not to take the case lightly as her daughter’s life is at risk, especially as they are yet to retrieve the pants.
