A 25-year-old woman identified as Temitope Adetanju has been arrested for allegedly inserting a piece of firewood into a 12-year-old girl’s private part for stealing Milo, fruits, and biscuits.
The incident happened around 11a.m. on Tuesday, June 11, in the Isewo Obada Oko area of Ewekoro Local Government Area of the state.
The suspect, who was a guardian to the victim, allegedly beat the minor and inserted a piece of firewood in her private part.
Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Omolola Odutola, said that upon receiving the report of the assault, the Divisional Police Officer in the area swung into action and deployed the division’s juvenile officer to the scene of the incident.
Odutola explained that the police discovered that the 12-year-old girl had suffered severe physical abuse at the hands of her guardian.
She said, “Upon receiving the distressing report, immediate action was taken by deploying officers from the Juvenile Welfare Center to apprehend the suspect, Temitope Adetanju, who resides at the same address as the victim. Adetanju, aged 25, was swiftly taken into custody.
“During the investigation process, it came to light that the motive behind the assault stemmed from an accusation that the victim had stolen items valued at ₦650, which included biscuits, Milo, and Mr. Fruit.”
Odutola said the suspect admitted to committing the crimes she was accused of.
The case has sparked widespread outrage and concern among residents of Isewo, Obada Oko and beyond, with demands for justice and stricter measures against perpetrators of child abuse intensifying.
She said investigation into the matter continues as authorities work to ensure that all aspects of the incident are thoroughly examined and appropriate legal actions are taken to protect the welfare of the victim.