13-year-old hawker fighting for dear life after brutal rape by neighbor

By Ajuma Edwina Ameh

A 13-year-old hawker has lost lots of blood and currently fighting for her life after she was brutally raped by a 20-year-old man in Wadata, Makurdi, the Benue State capital.

The girl who sells a local delicacy popularly known as Awara in front of her house, was bleeding profusely after the horiffic ordeal and was rushed to the hospital where her current condition is stated to be unstable.

According to Benue activist, Ukan Kurugh, the suspect, Ali Usman, who lives in thebsame compound with the victim, has been arrested.

Narrating the incident on his Facebook page, Mr. Kurugh stated: “On this fateful rainy Sunday evening, the little girl who sells Awara, was selling it in front of her compound when this neighbor called that he wanted to buy.

“He asked her to bring it into the room. she had brought it to the door and in the process of handing over the food, the young man dragged her by her hijab, covering her face and mouth, thereby preventing her cries from being heard outside.

“He was so brutal, infact, the crime scene is better imagined than seen. She lost so much blood in the process and was so weak, but she didn’t stop making efforts at screaming even with her mouth was gagged.

“Due to the fact that it was raining, her screams couldn’t be easily heard. But with her persistence, the cries finally got to the neighbours and on breaking in, they met her almost lifeless.

“She was rushed to the hospital and it was discovered she had lost so much blood. Her PCV was just about 19%.”

He further disclosed that the victim’s family are under pressure to drop the case, as they are poor and can not afford to go to court.

“The family have no money and is really reluctant in pursuing the case. Infact a family member advised that charges be dropped as they cannot afford to go to Court, but I stopped them as this is not a matter to be left unattended to. Justice has to be pursued.”

He however called for support from concerned citizens and rights organizations in a bid for the victim to get justice.

“This case needs all the support it can get. If this is left in the hands of the girl’s family alone, there may be no case against the rapist and that will make one more monster on the loose, looking for the next available victim,” he said.