Man apprehended for allegedly abusing 15-year-old girl in A’Ibom

Ememobong Okon

Residents of Mass Housing Estate, Idu Uruan, popularly known as 1000 Housing Estate, were thrown into shock after a man identified as Sunday Bassey Udoh was apprehended for allegedly abusing a 15-year-old girl (name withheld).

Eyewitnesses said the suspect, a borehole driller and businessman, was caught inside the teenager’s room while her guardian, a tricycle operator, was away.

How suspect was caught

According to residents, the girl’s uncle returned home unexpectedly and found the man in the room. A confrontation followed, during which the suspect allegedly attempted to overpower him. When the uncle realised he was being overpowered, he raised the alarm.

Neighbours quickly intervened, restraining the man and preventing his escape.

Victim’s vulnerability

The victim, an orphan currently under the care of her maternal uncle, alleged that the suspect had lured her with promises of money and small gifts.

Community sources claimed this was not the first time the suspect had been linked to questionable behaviour, alleging that he had a troubling history of misconduct.

Police reaction

When contacted, officers at the Divisional Police Headquarters in Ifiayong Uruan confirmed that no official report of the incident had been lodged at the station as of the time of inquiry.

The suspect was still in the custody of the community when this report was filed.

Call for accountability

Child-rights advocates Ememobong Okon, who is the Executive Director of Hope for Coastal Women Empowerment Initiative, and community leaders are calling on residents to ensure the case is reported officially to the law enforcement agency.

They stressed that while community vigilance is commendable, justice can only be served through the legal system. They further noted that silence or community handling of such cases often denies victims the protection and redress they deserve.