In a significant breakthrough, the Bauchi State Police have arrested five suspects involved in separate rape cases. This comes shortly after Governor Bala Mohammed enacted the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act, which imposes the death penalty for rape convictions. SP Ahmed Mohammed Wakil, the police spokesperson, made this announcement in a press statement yesterday, shedding light on the ongoing efforts to combat such heinous crimes.
Among the arrested suspects are Babangida Buba (35), Kamisu Garba (27), and Yahaya Babayo (30), who were apprehended in Dambam local government area. They stand accused of forcibly raping a 12-year-old girl named Hafsat Habu. According to investigations, on May 17, 2023, at approximately 12:00 PM, the victim was lured by the group to the outskirts of Dambam market while she was hawking tofu (awara). There, she was subjected to the traumatic experience of unlawful sexual intercourse against her will.
Another suspect, Ibrahim Abdullahi (27), a resident of Itas, was captured for raping a seven-year-old girl named Ameera in a toilet at Central Science Primary School in Itas-Gadau local government area. The incident occurred on May 6, 2022, at around 6:20 PM. The victim’s parents, along with 17-year-old Fatima Abdullahi, from Miya-barkete Town in Toro LGA, reported the incident to the Toro Divisional Police Headquarters. Fatima was attacked on the same day at around 4:00 PM while returning from Kayara hill, where she had gone to collect firewood. Adamu Lawan (16), a resident of Lere village via Tulu, Toro LGA, confronted her with a machete, and on the spot, forcefully engaged in non-consensual sexual intercourse with her.
The Bauchi State Police will continue their investigations, and upon completion, the suspects will be charged accordingly in court. These arrests mark a significant step forward in addressing the menace of rape and sexual violence in our society. The implementation of stricter laws and the swift action taken by law enforcement demonstrate the commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of our citizens, particularly the most vulnerable.
It is crucial that we stand united against these heinous crimes and support the victims and their families during this challenging time. By holding the perpetrators accountable and raising awareness about the importance of consent and respect, we can work together to create a society free from the horrors of sexual violence.