By Our Reporter
The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) has accused a soldier deployed to the crisis-ridden Effium Community, Ohaukwu Local Government Area of Ebonyi of raping a 13-year old girl.
The Ebonyi State Chairperson of FIDA, Mrs. Grace Chima alleged that the defilement of the girl happened on May 21 at about 3pm.
Chima said that the rapist-soldier attached to Nkwegu Military Cantonment in the area, brutally had carnal knowledge of the minor in an uncompleted building.
She said that it was sad that a soldier deployed to quell the intra-communal crisis in the area would commit such heinous crime.
“The soldier allegedly defiled the girl on her way to fetch water from the neighboring Umuezeoka village in Effium community and abandoned her in an uncompleted building.
“He brutally had carnal knowledge of the little girl that she bled for many days at the hospital.
“It was so bad that she underwent some operations to correct the damage done on her during the incident,” she said.
Chima said that the soldier had been fished out and would be taken to Enugu State for Martial Court.
“FIDA in collaboration with the commandant of Nkwegu Military Cantonment, Lt.-Col. Erhabor Igbinadolor was able to fish out the suspect.
“As we speak, the ball has been set rolling to drag the suspect to Enugu for Martial Court,” she said.
She noted that FIDA’s attention was drawn to the incident from the point the victim was admitted at Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, for the surgery.
“So, I personally went there and saw her bleed profusely. Immediately, FIDA petitioned the Nkwegu Military Commandant and the suspect was apprehended few days later..
“We have obtained medical records, took pictures, did video when she was bleeding. It is our duty to ensure that justice is given to the girl.
“So, we are waiting for the date for the Court Martial proceedings in Enugu”. Chima said.
