The Bayelsa State Police Command has taken into custody, an 80-year-old man identified as Pa Stephen who defiled a 10-year-old pupil at Otuokpoti community in Ogbia Local Government of Bayelsa State.
According to reports filed by some Gender Advocacy groups in the state including the Dise Ogbise Foundation (Do Foundation), Reigneth Foundation, Starrz safety initiative, and the Collins Cocodia Foundation, the 80-year-old man was called out by indigenes of the community as a serial pedophile.
The gender advocacy groups, when alerted about the incident, stormed the Otuokpoti community and ensured that the culprit was reported to the Divisional Police Headquarters.
The foster Mother of the victim told journalists that she noticed the girl was showing signs of sickness and had become absent-minded when carrying out domestic shores.
“Many of my neighbours warned me that they noticed that the suspect gave some money to the kid and warned the foster mother to be on alert. They warned her that the suspect is a serial pedophile.”
Findings from sources in the community indicated that the suspect had been secretly defiling the child for over 12 months without the knowledge of the foster mother.
“On the fateful day, a concerned member of the community noticed the child entering the old man’s house on her way from school. She immediately raised an alarm and they forcefully rescued her. The victim admitted that the defilement started last year.”
Confirming the incident, the Founder of the Dise Foundation, Dr Dise Ogbise Goddy Harry told newsmen that it took a joint effort of the Gender Advocacy group to ensure the accused was arrested and remanded in police custody.
She confirmed that the Medical Women Association of Nigeria, Bayelsa State Chapter, also assisted by providing medical support and examination.
According to her, the victim is in the protective custody of the State govt through the Ministry of Women’s Affairs.
She also confirmed that the victim has undergone a medical examination and will also undergo a Psychology examination.
“It is sad that such is happening. It is a red flag for all of us,’’ she added.
THE SUN
