The Chairperson, International Federation of Women Lawyers FIDA, Mrs. Grace Iheanachi China raised alarm over the sexual assault of a 13 year-old girl by a soldier attached to Nkwegu Military Cantonment.
The soldier reportedly raped the little girl while going to fetch water at the stream at Ezza-Effium, in Ohaukwu local government area of Ebonyi State.
Mrs. Chima alleged that the incident happened on the 12th of May 2021, at about 3pm.
She said soldier was among the security operatives deploy in the warring communities of Ezza and Ezza Effium, to ensure the return of normalcy to the area and arrest the hoodlums killing and destroying properties.
She alleged that the soldier defiled the girl on her way to fetch water from a “neighbouring village, Umuezeoka village in Effium community, and abandoned her in an uncompleted building.”
Mrs Grace disclosed that FIDA, in collaboration with the commandant of Nkwegu Military Cantonment, Lieutenant Connell Erhabor Igbinadolor, was able to fish out the suspect.
“As we speak, the ball has been set rolling to drag the suspect to Enugu State for Martial Court”.
According to her, the little girl bled for many days and had to be hospitalised.
“It was so bad that she underwent some operations to correct the damage done on her during the incident.
“FIDA’s attention was drawn from the point she was admitted at Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, for the surgery.
“So I personally went there and saw her bleeding profusely. Immediately, FIDA petitioned the Nkwegu Military Commandant. Because of the seriousness, I personally delivered the letter to the Commandant and speedy action was taken. Few days later, the suspect was apprehended.
“The Commandant called to inform us about the development and we went there and saw him. We were asked to bring the victim and her mother which was done and they wrote down their statements. We were told that the soldier will be taken to Enugu State for Martial court proceedings, so that is the stage we are now.
“We have obtained medical records, took pictures, did video when she was bleeding. It is our duty to ensure that justice is given to the girl and that we are out to do. So we are waiting for the date for the proceedings in Enugu”.
