Govt. vows to get justice for teenage Girl allegedly raped by eight men

The Anambra Government has vowed to get justice for a 16-year old girl (name withheld) over alleged sexual molestation by eight men including her guardian.
The incident occurred in Nawfia, Njikoka Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.
The state Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Mrs Esther Onyekesi, made this known during an interaction with newsmen on Thursday in Awka.
“The teenager, who was severely raped by these men is now two months pregnant, according to medical report presented by a concerned priest from Nawfia, who reported the case.
“Therefore, the ministry must stand for this helpless girl,” she said.
Onyekesi decried a situation where adults who are supposed to protect young people take advantage of them, especially to the level of sexual molestation and exploitation.
She assured the safety of the girl and encouraged men to protect women, especially young girls rather than take advantage of them, in order to build a better society.
According to the teenager brought to the office of the commissioner, her guardian forces himself on her every night and later other men join in the act.
She said that with the help of a good samaritan, she was rescued a week ago from the abuse and brought to the ministry.
Asked about the wife of her guardian, she said the wife was sick with stroke, while her sons and daughters were all grown and some married.
She informed the commissioner that the police had arrested two persons out of the eight suspects that allegedly molested her.
She said that the case was before the Nawfia police station. (NAN)

Former Labour Party vice-presidential candidate, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, has opened up on the circumstances that led him to join forces with Peter Obi during the 2023 presidential election, saying his decision was largely driven by sympathy for the former Anambra State governor.

Speaking during an interview with Symphoni, Baba-Ahmed disclosed that Obi had unsuccessfully approached three prominent politicians to be his running mate before eventually turning to him.

According to the former senator, he would have welcomed any of the politicians accepting Obi’s offer, but their refusal left him concerned about both Obi’s political prospects and the state of the country.

Reflecting on their partnership, Baba-Ahmed said, “I have sympathy for him. And this sympathy was at the core of our relationship.”

He explained that Obi’s search for a vice-presidential candidate in 2022 was marked by repeated setbacks, a development he said deeply affected him.

“When he approached three other major politicians in 2022, I would have been glad if one of them had gone with Peter Obi in 2022. But they all avoided him. I felt bad for him and I felt bad for Nigeria as a nation,” Baba-Ahmed said.

He maintained that his decision to join the Labour Party ticket was voluntary and based on personal conviction rather than political calculation.

“I took it upon myself because naturally I have always been a volunteer. For the sake of Nigeria, I extended that sympathy to him,” he added.

The Obi-Baba-Ahmed ticket emerged as one of the most closely followed political movements during the 2023 elections, attracting significant support across different parts of the country.

However, the relationship between the two politicians has since been overshadowed by differences over political strategy and party affiliation.

Baba-Ahmed criticised Obi’s decision to leave the Labour Party amid its prolonged leadership crisis, arguing that internal disputes are common across political organisations and should be resolved rather than avoided.

Questioning Obi’s decision to seek political alternatives, he said: “If Abure was a problem, what makes him think Nwosu or David Mark of ADC will not be a problem? What makes him think Seriake of NDC will not be a problem?”

He further argued that every political platform faces similar challenges.

“So it’s the same thing wherever you go. Stay here and fix the problem and let’s work together. But he decided to move,” he said.

Baba-Ahmed also dismissed suggestions that his political relevance was tied to Obi, stressing that he remains politically independent.

“With due respect, he does not own my politics; he doesn’t own me. I am independent,” he stated.

Following the 2023 elections, Baba-Ahmed aligned himself with the Peoples Redemption Party, while Obi has continued his political activities through new political associations after leaving the Labour Party.

JUST IN; Governor orders procurement of drones to boost security surveillance

Governor Ademola Adeleke has directed the immediate acquisition of drones and other security equipment as part of efforts to strengthen surveillance and tackle rising security concerns in Osun State.

The directive was issued during a security review meeting held by the governor, according to a statement released on Wednesday by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed.

The statement said Adeleke instructed members of his security team to commence actions toward procuring new drones and additional security gadgets to reinforce the state’s security architecture and improve crime detection capabilities.

According to the governor, the administration is focused on enhancing the operational capacity of both formal and informal security networks across the state to effectively combat criminal activities and banditry.

“We are not interested in what has happened in the past. Our goal is to acquire new drones and other needed equipment and materials for our formal and informal security networks to combat crimes and banditry in this state,” Adeleke said.

The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property, assuring residents that security remains a top priority of the government.

“Once again, I assure the good people of Osun that our government is committed to their safety and security. I urge the public to notify security agencies of any suspicious movement or individuals in their areas,” he added.

The move comes amid growing concerns over insecurity in several parts of the country, with state governments increasingly exploring technology-driven solutions to strengthen surveillance and support security operations.