35-year-old Joseph Egwatu has been charged with raping his 2-year-old niece. The incident occurred in Nzam, Anambra West Local Government Area, Anambra State. Egwatu allegedly went to his brother’s house and sent his relatives, who were looking after the baby, on an errand before committing the crime.
He was arraigned on Wednesday before the Children, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Magistrate Court in Awka.
In response to this news, Ify Obinabo, Anambra State Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, released a statement. She expressed her grief over the incident in her statement to the press through her media assistant, Chidinma Ikeanyionwu. Furthermore, she promised that justice would go through its full course.
She added that the ministry will soon commence a media tour to sensitise Anambra people on the dangers and consequences of rape, child molestation, child labour, abuse and other related issues. It is however quite said that people have to be “sensitized” against rape, especially against children.
Ikeanyionwu further revealed that the culprit, after his arraignment denied having carnal knowledge of the baby.
He claimed he offered to look after the child when the babysitter went on an errand. He further claimed that he stepped outside to get a few things done but returned to the room when he heard the baby crying only to discover her in a pool of her own blood.
A family source who pleaded anonymity said the sexual organ of the child, who will be two years old on April 19, was brutally damaged. She also alleged that Egwuatu intentionally sent the child’s minder on an errand before engaging in the dastard act.
The child has been taken to the hospital for medical attention while the court ordered the culprit remanded in prison.
cc: Daily Post Ng
