• How 15-year-old deaf and dumb was gang raped in Nasarawa
From Abel Leonard, Lafia
Binta is a 15-year-old beautiful girl, suffering from hearing and speaking disabilities. She attends Adult Special School, Kyena, Obi Local Government, Nasarawa State.
Her school is located a few kilometres from her home. Days ago, she was lured and raped by two heartless young men on her way to her mother’s farm.
Her violators, Aminu and Lukman, waited for her, lured her to their residence at Okpe Street, in Obi community and forced their way into her, taking advantage of her disabilities.
State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Nansel Ramhan, said police received the report of the incident on March 2, 2023: “Upon receipt of the report, investigation and manhunt were launched by police operatives attached to Obi Division for the suspects.
“Consequently, on March 3, 2023, the two suspects were arrested at different locations in Obi town and Lafia, respectively.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects lured the victim who had hearing impairment to their residence at Okpe Street, Obi, and had unlawful carnal knowledge of her. The suspects confessed to the commission of the crime.
“Binta has been taken to the hospital for medical examination.
Commissioner of Police, Mr. Maiyaki Baba, has ordered for a comprehensive investigation into the case. The suspects will be charged to court at the end of investigation.”
Binta’s father, Mallam Isa, a farmer and truck driver, was not at home when the incident occurred. He told Daily Sun: “Binta is my second daughter. Since she was born, she has suffered from speech impairment.
“She is a very hard working girl who is always determined to do everything. She does not enjoy being discriminated against, the reason we had to send her to school.”
He said he could not imagine that some men could be so wicked or could think of taking advantage of her daughter’s condition to perpetuate such an evil act. He appealed to the police and other security agencies to apprehend the suspects and get them to face the law for their action.
The mother, Sa-adatu, said the suspects are wicked souls meant for hell. According to her, she sent for Binta to join them in the farm:
“When I discovered that she didn’t come at the time I was expecting her, I decided to walk back to the house. The farm is not too far away from the house.
“While I was walking home, along the path, I heard a muffled cry from the direction of the boys’ residence. I knew on impulse, that it was my daughter’s voice.
“I dashed straight to the door of the building and forced it open.
Behold, it was my daughter lying down, already fainting.
“I shouted for help. The boys ran away, fleeing the structure in a jiffy. I called out to the people around to help take her to the hospital. I rushed to the police station to lodge my complain leading to their arrest.”
The mother demanded nothing but prompt justice: “The injury of the rape will haunt my daughter for the rest of her life.”
Chief Executive Officer, Centre for Care and Development in Nigeria (CCDN), a non-governmental organisation, Blessing Tulari, said Binta’s case highlighted the growing incidents of rape in the state:
“Justice must prevail for Binta Isa and for countless other victims of rape in the state. The government must take action to ensure that the perpetrators are held accountable for their actions and victims receive the support and justice they deserve.”