From Paul Osuyi, Asaba
There has been tension in Issele-Azagba in Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State where a suspected rapist threatened the father of his latest victim with a gun.
The victim’s father, a farmer, had gone in search of the suspect after his daughter narrated her ordeal in the hands of her randy maternal uncle.
But on sighting him, the suspect brought out a gun and threatened to shoot him.
The swift intervention of the victim’s male siblings saved the situation as they wrestled the suspect down, dispossessing him of the weapon before he escaped being lynched.
Trouble started when the 15-year-old victim (name withheld) went out about 9 pm in search of her brothers who were out of the house to buy some items.
On her way, she met the suspect identified as Tony, who offered to give her a ride on his motorcycle to facilitate the search.
Rather than take her to the appropriate places, he diverted to a popular guest house where he allegedly raped her.
According to the victim who is now receiving treatment at the Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC), Asaba Specialist Hospital, the suspect squeezed N5,000 into her hand after the act.
The victim’s father, Johnbest, was furious that rather than show remorse, the suspect was “bold to chase me with gun. Thank God for my two sons who were coming after me; they held him down, collected the gun and he escaped while being beaten.”
Johnbest said the gun was later taken to the palace of the Obi of Issele-Azagba, who called for justice.
Chairman of Delta State Child Rights Implementation Committee, Mrs. Kevwe Agas confirmed the incident, saying that proper medical, legal, and security documentation would be made to prosecute the case.