Man arrested for molesting 12-year-old stepdaughter

From Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa

An irate mob in Obunghan community, Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, has arrested a 40-year-old man for the alleged molestation of his 12-year-old stepdaughter.

According to investigations, the suspect, a bricklayer by profession, was reportedly caught in the act by his wife, who raised the alarm, prompting community youths to apprehend him and hand him over to the police.

An eyewitness account disclosed that the victim was in severe pain and bleeding from the anus and had to be rushed to the Niger Delta University Hospital, Okolobiri.

Sources said the family of the victim’s biological father confirmed that she has been placed in intensive care at the hospital.

They also said they are weighing legal options, especially ensuring that the suspect faces the full wrath of the law for his actions.

A former youth president of the Gbarain Youths Federation, under which Obunghan community falls, while confirming the incident, described the suspect’s action as disgraceful and wicked.

He implored divorced mothers going into new marriages to be vigilant and protect their children from male predators.

Also weighing in on the matter, the founder of Do Foundation, Dr Dise Ogbise Goddy Harry, said the incident and two others recorded between December 2025 and January 2026 have become worrisome for gender-based organisations.

“Between January and now, we have recorded three cases of sexual abuse of our children, and the perpetrators are stepfathers to these innocent young girls. Also, between October and December last year, we had two cases of adults (neighbours) who abused girls between the ages of seven and 12.

“These incidents call for urgent collaborative intervention by all key actors in the fight against gender-based violence.

“For us in Do Foundation, the Association of Women Against Gender-Based Violence, Operation Save Our Children from Abuse and Intimate Care Essentials, we are calling on the Bayelsa State Police Command to thoroughly investigate all the matters and let these paedophiles be prosecuted.

“Also, as plans for collaboration have started amongst the various groups, we shall ensure that no paedophile walks freely on the streets of Bayelsa State again.”