news

7 years old primary three pupil narrates how her Father raped her

Published

9 years ago

September 7, 2015

A seven-year-old girl (names withheld) has narrated how her father paid her after sexually abusing her at their Ojokoro Housing Estate, Meiran, Ijaiye, Lagos, residence.

The primary three pupil said: “My daddy usually gives me money after touching my private part or putting his penis in my mouth. He touches my private part when my mother is outside washing clothes or when she is not in the house.”

The victim’s father, identified as Chukwuemeka Odunzie, allegedly started defiling his daughter early last year.

Narrating her ordeal, the victim’s mother, Mrs Odunzie, said: “Last year, my son told me that his younger sister was fond of playing with her private parts. It sounded strange that a seven-year-old child would be doing that.

“I will talk to her, scold her and sometimes beat her. There was a time I told my husband.

“All he said was that if she was acting strangely I should take her to any of these white garment churches. I was alarmed when one day, while we were in the sitting room, she started touching and playing with herself.

She confesses to mother

“Immediately, I called her inside the room and asked her what the problem was. I asked her if anyone was fiddling with her private parts. She said it was her father that always touched her private parts and that after touching her private parts, he would give her money.

“I confronted my husband when he returned from work but he denied vehemently. I reported a case of defilement to Ebenezer Divisional Police and the policemen invited my husband for questioning.

“He was arrested later by the police, who gave me a report to take my daughter to the hospital. The doctor said there had been no penetration, but that there is an opening in her virginal and advised that the victim be tested for infection.

Family pressure

“By the time we came back from the hospital, the IPO said it was a family issue and that we should go home and settle the case.

“Members of his family were shouting, saying that I had no right to report the case to the police, that it was a family issue that should be treated as one. They pressurized me till I withdrew the case, after which he promised not to defile our daughter again.

“After I withdrew the case, my husband began to beat the children at the slightest provocation. And at times, he would beat them for no tangible reason.

“Two weeks ago, it happened again. I asked her what she did for her father that made him give her money without giving her siblings. That was when she said that daddy gave her the money after touching her private part.

“Her siblings said it had been ongoing for a while and that they refused to tell me because the last time they did, their daddy kept beating them.

“He puts it in my mouth”

“Her brother said whenever I was not around, or I was outside washing clothes, daddy would send him and his other siblings inside the bedroom, while he would ask the victim to kneel down in between his legs and bend her head towards his manhood.

“She also confirmed that after touching her, daddy would put his penis in her mouth.

“There was even a time my daughter was caught in the act with a four-year-old boy, who is a neighbour’s child.”

In his defense, the victim’s father, Chukwuemeka Odunzie, admitted that it was only once he abused his daughter and that he was not doing it for occult reasons.

Reacting to the issue, the Co-coordinator, Project Alert, Josephine Effah Chukwuma, said: “Apart from ensuring that the law takes it course, the main task is how to rehabilitate this little girl, whose life has been messed up by her father.

“This is because the abuse was not a one-off thing as the victim had become so accustomed to the act, that when she feels the urge and there is no one to touch her, she touches herself.

“There is need to rehabilitate her and her siblings, who watched.”

vanguard

Politics

2025: There’s Hope On The Horizon For Nigeria, Lagos – Sanwo-olu

Published

2 days ago

December 28, 2024

Sahara Weekly

2025: There’s Hope On The Horizon For Nigeria, Lagos – Sanwo-Olu

By Ifeoma Ikem

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has spread a message of hope and optimism for Nigeria and Lagos as the world celebrates Christmas.

Speaking at the Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina Lagos, Governor Sanwo-Olu assured citizens that 2025 holds promise for a better future.

The governor expressed gratitude to God for the country’s resilience despite its challenges. He commended residents for their faith in his administration, pledging to continue working towards a safe, secure, and prosperous Lagos.

Governor Sanwo-Olu emphasized the importance of living in peace and harmony, urging families and friends to support one another.

“As a government, we’ll continue to provide enabling environment for growth and advancement, especially infrastructure development.

“Nigeria will be better eventually just like our President assured us in his media chat, and everyone will smile,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Diocesan Bishop of Lagos, Rt. Revd. Ifedola Senasu Okupevi appealed to the federal and state governments to alleviate the suffering of the masses.

He called for policy relaxation to bring peace and prosperity to the land.

According to Dr. Okupevi, the citizenry must jettison tribal sentiments and embrace unity, stressing that by so doing, “we will realize the country of our dreams.”

news

Asattahir International Foundation Presents Recommendations On Fire Disaster

Published

3 days ago

December 27, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Asattahir International Foundation Presents Recommendations On Fire Disaster

Sahara Weekly Reports The foundation’s findings and recommendations aim to address the growing frequency of fire incidents in the state and ensure their transition into practical, impactful actions.

In his opening remarks, AIF’s executive secretary, Prof Yahaya Tanko Baba, emphasized the urgency of addressing Sokoto’s increasing fire outbreaks.

Collaboration among stakeholders is pivotal to implementing these recommendations and safeguarding lives and properties,” he said, reiterating AIF’s commitment to public safety and effective disaster management.

ASATTAHIR International Foundation (AIF) has conducted a stakeholder engagement to implement its research recommendations on fire disaster preparedness and response in Sokoto State.

The forum brought together representatives from government agencies, emergency response teams, and community leaders to address the challenges of fire outbreaks and advocate for proactive measures to safeguard lives and property.

The engagement, moderated by Dr Garba Ibrahim, head of the Access and Safety Department at AIF, followed AIF’s extensive nine-month research on fire disasters in Sokoto.

news

NASRE Foundation Spreads Yuletide Cheer, Supports Veterans and Media Community

Published

3 days ago

December 27, 2024

Sahara Weekly

NASRE Foundation Spreads Yuletide Cheer, Supports Veterans and Media Community

Sahara Weekly Reports That The Nigerian Association of Social And Resourceful Editors (NASRE) has once again demonstrated its commitment to uplifting the media community by distributing Yuletide gifts to veterans, families of deceased journalists, and other beneficiaries.

In its annual outreach, NASRE provided food items and cash support to families in Lagos and Ogun states. Recipients included Folusho Samuel, Thomas Peter, Qudus Adewole (Ebony), Simeon Ugwu, Niyi Agboola, and Mrs. Adewunmi, among others.

Speaking on the initiative, NASRE President Comrade Femi Oyewal, highlighted the association’s dedication to supporting its members and their families, particularly during festive seasons.

“This is a time for giving and reflection. At NASRE, we are committed to showing our veterans and their families that their sacrifices and contributions to society are deeply valued. Beyond festive seasons, we strive to impact lives meaningfully throughout the year,” Oyewale said.

One of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Thomas, expressed heartfelt appreciation, saying: “NASRE’s support reminds us that our efforts in the media community are not forgotten. These gestures of kindness mean so much to us, and we are truly grateful.”

The foundation also took the opportunity to recognize the crucial role of the media in nation-building. It extended its gratitude to media practitioners for their hard work and dedication, while wishing them a joyful and prosperous festive season.

NASRE’s annual gesture underscores its role as a pillar of support within the media community, fostering unity, compassion, and appreciation for the contributions of its members.