Lawrence Nwimo, Awka
Anambra State Commissioner for Women and Children Affairs, Mrs. Ify Obinabo has called on journalists and bloggers to exercise caution in reporting sensitive security issues in the state.
The commissioner who made the call in Awka, narrated a recent event where a 3-year-old girl was allegedly defiled by her father identified as Mr. Magnus Odidika Okpalannadi in Onitsha.
Obinabo said while the child and mother were both rescued, the said father has reportedly been on the run since the matter got to the attention of her ministry and after the bloggers had gone ahead to spread news of his being wanted.
She wondered how the culprit would then be arrested if the steps towards arresting him are being made public from time to time.
While encouraging the bloggers to keep doing their jobs, she said when security of life is involved, they should use their brain.
“It is crucial for bloggers to exercise sensitivity and discretion when reporting on such topics, especially considering the potential risks involved.
“The man in question has been reported by the wife as being very dangerous but our efforts to arrest him have been made difficult because bloggers have published it. In view that he is on the run, we are not magicians to arrest him.”
Commissioner Obinabo further explained that, although, capturing the suspect is very important, the safety of the victim and her mother cannot be overlooked, and which is what the government is currently doing by keeping them in custody where they would be free from harm or attack.
She also emphasised that the Soludo-led Anambra State Government, as usual, would not leave any stone unturned in fishing out the culprit, investigating the matter, charging him to court, and securing justice for the little girl.
