By PATRICK ABANG, Calabar –
The Cross River State Police Command has arrested a 74 years old, Bassey Inyang for allegedly raping a 12 year old girl (name withheld) in his neighborhood in Calabar, the state capital.
The suspect was picked up by the police over the weekend following outcry by the mother of the victim and neighbors who described the man as a serial rapist of minors in his neighbourhood.
A source who pleaded anonymity said, “Trouble started when blood began to ooze out from the girl’s private part last week”.
“When the poor girl opened up to her mother hell was let loose, and she stormed the suspect’s home which is situated at 14 Waddel Street in Calabar South”, the source said.
The source added that “Many parents who had hitherto hid their experiences opened up, and the suspect’s neighbors are reported to have also disclosed his similar acts”.
Meanwhile, The Secretary of Ikot Edet Etim village in Efut Abua West clan in the Mbukpa area, Mr Pendo Ned, said “When we got this information, the community head, Muri Ebuka Ebuka directed that he suspect be brought before him.
“The suspect had confessed to the heinous crime before the community. We seriously condemned such crime against minors reported to be perpetrated by the suspect, which reason we had invited the police to pick him for further interrogation.”
Secretary of Child Protection Network, Mrs Glory Mike Ntuk condemned the act, saying the rising cases of child abuse and raping of minors indicate that society is morally bankrupt.
“It’s very unfortunate that things like cases of child (sexual) abuse is taking a toll on our society. For a 70 year old man to serially abuse our children sexually means that our society is morally bankrupt and is at its verge of spiritual judgement.
“Our society is bereft of moral barometers and reliable judges. It is the height of immortality and very worrisome.
“The suspect is sick because, by the physiology of a 70 year old man, normally his libido should have ebbed by now.. Perhaps he’s mentally deranged.”
When contacted by our correspondent, The Cross River State Police spokesman, Irene Ugbo confirmed the arrest of the suspect.
He, however, condemned the act and the said the suspect would be charged to court to face the full wrath of the law.
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