The harrowing case of a 12-year-old girl, Esther, who was allegedly gang-raped by five men on Christmas Eve in Igiafodo Awuyemi, Okpella, within the Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State, has sparked outrage and a determined pursuit of justice. Edesili Anani, the Administrator of the Office of the Edo State First Lady, has taken a firm stance, vowing that the perpetrators will face the full force of the law. During a visit to the victim at the Diasy Ehanire Danjuma Centre, Mrs. Anani reiterated the state government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that justice is served. She invoked the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law (VAP Law), specifically citing sections that define rape and outline the corresponding punishments. Mrs. Anani emphasized Edo State’s zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of violence, assuring the public that the government stands firmly in solidarity with the young victim.
The gravity of the crime was further compounded by the perpetrators’ alleged filming of the assault and subsequent dissemination of the video on social media. This act, condemned vehemently by Mrs. Anani, ironically provided irrefutable evidence that strengthens the case against them. The video footage, she stated, eliminates any possibility of a cover-up, ensuring that the legal process will proceed unhindered, leading to a decisive outcome against the perpetrators. The case underscores the complex interplay of technology and crime, where the very tools used to document and disseminate abuse can become instrumental in securing justice.
The swift and decisive actions taken by His Royal Highness, Lukeman Akemokue, the Okuokpellagbe of Okpella, and his wife, Blessing, have been lauded by Mrs. Anani. Their immediate response to the incident, bringing the case to light and ensuring the safety of both the victim and her mother by relocating them to Benin City due to threats against their lives, exemplifies commendable leadership and community responsibility. Mrs. Anani emphasized the importance of speaking out against such atrocities, highlighting that silence only emboldens perpetrators and puts other potential victims at risk. The royal couple’s intervention serves as a model for community involvement in protecting vulnerable members and ensuring that justice is pursued diligently.
The collaborative efforts between government agencies, community leaders, and law enforcement demonstrate a unified front against gender-based violence. Mrs. Anani’s visit to the Edo State Police Headquarters, accompanied by the victim and other stakeholders, further solidified this collaborative approach. Her commendation of the police for their prompt response and her appeal for justice for the young girl underscore the importance of coordinated action in addressing such sensitive cases. This concerted effort signifies a commitment to ensuring that the victim receives not only justice but also the necessary support and protection throughout the legal process.
The Edo State Commissioner of Police, Umoru Ozigi, reciprocated Mrs. Anani’s commendation by assuring her that justice will be served. His confirmation that three individuals are currently in police custody in connection with the crime provides a tangible measure of progress in the investigation. The collaborative spirit displayed by both the government and law enforcement agencies sends a strong message that such crimes will not be tolerated and that perpetrators will be held accountable. The ongoing investigation holds the promise of bringing closure to the victim and her family while simultaneously serving as a deterrent to potential offenders.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the pervasive nature of gender-based violence and the urgent need for continued vigilance and proactive measures to combat it. The actions of the Edo State government, community leaders, and law enforcement, working in concert, exemplify the kind of coordinated response necessary to address such crimes effectively. The commitment to ensuring justice for Esther, the 12-year-old victim, sends a powerful message that society will not stand idly by while vulnerable members are subjected to such horrific acts. The pursuit of justice in this case is not just about holding the perpetrators accountable; it is about reaffirming the value and dignity of every individual and creating a safer society for all.
