Edo: Three arrested for raping 12-year-old

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The Edo State Government has vowed to ensure justice for Esther Friday, a 12-year-old girl who was allegedly gang-raped by five men on Christmas Eve in Igiafodo Awuyemi, Okpella, Etsako East Local Government Area.

Edesili Anani, Administrator of the Office of the First Lady, made this pledge during a visit to Esther at the Daisy Ehainere Danjuma Centre in Benin City.

She condemned the perpetrators, who reportedly filmed the act and shared the video on social media.

She said the government will leave no stone unturned in ensuring justice, saying Section 4 of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law defines rape, while Section 5 prescribes strict punishment.

She commended the swift actions of the Okuokpellagbe of Okpella, HRH Lukeman Akemokue, and his wife, Blessing, for bringing the case to light and ensuring the safety of the victim and her mother.

The Edo State Commissioner of Police, CP Umoru Ozigi, confirmed that three suspects were in custody and assured the public that justice would be served.

Governor Monday Okpebholo and the Office of the First Lady have been praised for their proactive response to the incident, reinforcing their commitment to eradicating violence in the state.