Jelili Gbadamosi
The Abia State Government has commenced steps toward legal action in seven reported cases of gender-based and sexual violence involving five minors and two adult women.
The state Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, disclosed this on Monday while briefing journalists at Government House, Umuahia, on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti.
Kanu said six of the reported cases involved sexual violence, while the seventh concerned domestic violence against a pregnant woman.
According to him, the cases involved five girls aged between 10 and 14 and two women aged between 25 and 40.
He said the reported incidents included alleged rape, defilement and physical assault, adding that the cases had been documented for investigation, protection, referral and possible prosecution.
Kanu disclosed that one of the survivors, a 10-year-old girl, sustained severe vaginal bleeding following the alleged assault and had undergone surgery at the Nchedo Sexual Assault Referral Centre.
He said the centre had continued to provide medical and other support services to survivors of sexual and gender-based violence in the state.
The commissioner assured residents that the government would pursue the cases through the appropriate legal channels and ensure that suspects facing credible allegations were subjected to due process.
“This administration is committed to ensuring that perpetrators of gender-based violence are brought to justice, no matter what it takes,” Kanu said.
He also said the government would ensure that the suspect allegedly involved in the recent assault of a pregnant woman in the state did not evade prosecution.
Meanwhile, Kanu announced that Abia would host this year’s World Igbo Day, saying the event would provide an opportunity to promote unity among Ndigbo and honour Igbo figures who contributed to the development of the people.
He said wreaths would also be laid in remembrance of deceased Igbo legends as part of activities marking the celebration.
