Taraba State Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, has directed security agencies to arrest all individuals intimidating the victim of a razor attack, Miss Iwasen Terhemba, and her guardian.
LIB reported that a married woman identified as Mrs. Ramatu Abbas allegedly attacked the victim in Donga Local Government Area of the state following claims that she was being persistently harassed by her husband.
According to the victim, who lives with her guardian, Jemila Wanga, she had been repeatedly approached by the married man identified as Mr Abbas but consistently rejected his advances, citing her age and his marital status.
Trouble allegedly escalated after the man’s wife, Ramatu, became aware of the situation and began issuing verbal threats against the minor.
In a bid to resolve the matter, the guardian reportedly approached Abbas to explain that it was her husband who had been harassing the girl and urged her to caution him.
However, the situation allegedly turned violent when Abbas reportedly went to the girl’s house and attacked her with a razor blade, leaving her with facial injuries.
The suspect further warned the victim and her guardian against reporting the incident to the authorities, insisting the matter should be “settled at home.”
Speaking with the punch on Thursday, the guardian appealed for urgent intervention by the authorities, saying she and her children had been threatened.
Reacting to the threats, the governor gave a directive in a statement issued through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Child Development and signed by the Commissioner, Hon. Mrs. Mary Sinjen, ordering the arrest of all the individuals threatening the family.
Kefas directed that no effort should be spared in securing justice for the victim and in strengthening protective measures for vulnerable persons across the state.
“His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Taraba State, Dr. Agbu Kefas, has directed that no effort be spared in securing justice for the victim and in strengthening protective measures for vulnerable persons across the state. Those intimidating both the victim and her guardian should be arrested and made to face the law,” the statement read.
The Ministry reiterated the state government’s zero-tolerance stance on all forms of violence, harassment, intimidation, and abuse, especially against women and children.
“The safety and wellbeing of every resident of Taraba State remains our top priority,” the statement added.
The Ministry of Women Affairs and Child Development also strongly condemned the violent assault perpetrated against a 17-year-old girl in Donga Local Government Area, describing the act as a grave violation of the rights, dignity, and safety of a minor.
“This reprehensible act will not be tolerated under any circumstances,” the Ministry stated.
It further disclosed that it had been fully briefed on the incident and was actively coordinating with relevant security agencies and stakeholders.
According to the statement, the suspect connected to the assault is currently in custody, while investigations are ongoing to ensure that all responsible parties are brought to justice in accordance with the law.
“Any attempt to intimidate the victim or obstruct due process is itself a serious offence and will be addressed decisively,” it added.
Mrs. Sinjen also disclosed that the Ministry is working in partnership with the state’s First Lady, Mrs. Agyim Kefas, to safeguard the rights of women and children and confront gender-based violence.
“My Ministry is working in close partnership with Her Excellency, the First Lady of Taraba State, to ensure the safety and rights of women. We are committed to confronting gender-based violence in all its forms,” she assured.
The Commissioner further revealed that the Ministry is providing necessary support to the victim and her guardian, including referrals for medical, psychosocial, and legal assistance, while ensuring their safety throughout the process.
She called on citizens to report cases of violence, abuse, or threats to the appropriate authorities, assuring that all reports would be treated with seriousness, confidentiality, and urgency.
The Taraba State Police Command spokesman, Victor Mshelizah, who confirmed the incident said the case had been reported, and investigations were ongoing.
“The victim was at the police station, and her statement has been taken. The case file is being compiled and will be charged to court,” he said.
The PPRO added that attempts by some community members to discourage the victim from pursuing the case would not stop the police from doing their job.
“We are aware of pressures being mounted on the family to withdraw the case, but we will ensure that anyone found culpable is brought to justice”, he said.
