Seyi Tayese, Yenagoa
Authorities of the Bayelsa State Police Command have taken into custody an 80-year-old man identified as Pa. Stephen, who allegedly defiled a 10-year-old pupil at Otuokpoti Community in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
According to reports filed by some Gender Advocacy groups in the state, including the Dise ogbise Foundation (Do Foundation), Reigneth foundation, Starrz safety initiative and the Collins Cocodia Foundation, the octogenarian was identified by indigenes of the community as a serial paedophile, who is ill with advance pile and hernia.
The Gender Advocacy groups, when alerted about the incident, stormed the Otuokpoti community and ensured that the culprit is reported to the Divisional Police Headquarters.
They later confirmed that the suspect has been transferred to the State Headquarters of the Police in Yenagoa.
The foster mother of the victim told newsmen that she noticed that the girl was showing signs of sickness and had become absent-minded when carrying out domestic shores.
“Many of my neighbours warned me that they noticed that the elderly accused gave some money to the kid and warned the foster mother to be on alert. They warned her that the elderly accused is a serial paedophile.”
Investigations however revealed that the accused octogenarian had been secretly defiling the child for over 12 months without the knowledge of the foster mother.
“On the fateful day, a concerned member of the community noticed the child entering the old man’s house on her way from school. She immediately raised an alarm and they forceful rescued her. The victim admitted that the defilement started since last year.”
Confirming the incident, the Founder of the Dise Foundation, Dr. Dise Ogbise Goddy Harry told newsmen that it took joint efforts of the Gender Advocacy group to ensure the accused was arrested and remanded in police custody.
She confirmed that the Medical Women Association of Nigeria, Bayelsa State Chapter, also assisted by providing medical support and examination.
The victim is in protective custody of the state government through the Ministry of Women Affairs.
She also confirmed that the victim had undergone medical examination and will also undergo psychological examination.
“It is sad that such is happening. It is a red flag to all of us.”
