The Nigeria Police Force has arrested a physically challenged man identified as Ojochogwu Baba for allegedly raping a 10-year-old girl in Kogi State.
Baba, a 49-year-old civil servant was arrested at Wada Estate, a suburb of the Lokoja metropolis in the state.
The Kogi State Police Command Public Relations Officer, SP William Ovye Aya, confirmed the arrest of the suspect during an interview with DAILY POST on Wednesday.
DAILY Post learnt that the suspect had lured the minor to buy him alcohol and cigarette before committing the crime.
Pastor Idris Abubakar, who is physically challenged in the community explained that the action of the suspect is now making life difficult for people with disabilities, noting that parents are now scared of allowing their wards to go on errand for them.
“I am one of the landlords in this place and the suspect is also a landlord when illegal occupants were driven out of this place. This type of case has never happened before in Wada Estate,” he said.
Other residents in the area called on the law enforcement agency to ensure that the suspect faces the full wrath of the law.
The chairperson, International Federation of Female Lawyers, FIDA, Barrister Lilian Ajuma Okolo in an interview with DAILY POST condemned the incident.
According to her: “We are not happy about this incident. This happening to a minor is something that is disturbing. We are so much concerned about the victim because she is not mentally stable at this time. Despite all our campaign and sensitisation, rape is still on the increase. This is very worrisome and something must be done urgently to reduce this to the barest minimum.”
The Police Public Relations Officer in Kogi State, SP William Ovye Aya, in an interview said the suspect will soon be charged in court when investigation is completed on the matter.