By Innocent Anaba & Caleb Ayansina

The National Human Rights Commission, NHRC and Lagos lawyer, Ms Carol Ajie, have welcomed the progress recorded in the investigation of alleged gang rape of an unidentified female victim at Abia State University, Uturu.

They urged the Police to conclude investigations quickly and arraign the suspects before a court of competent jurisdiction.

NRHC’s Acting Executive Secretary, Mrs. Oti Ovrawah, in a statement by Mr Muhammad Ladan, Director, Public Affairs and Communications, said: “We call for adequate Police protection and comprehensive medical examination of the victim who would have been exposed to sexually transmittable infections and unwanted pregnancy.

Mrs. Ovrawah, who expressed shock and disbelief over the incident, welcomed the reported arrest of two suspects, adding, “police protection and medical care for the victim as well as diligent prosecution of the suspects are critical issues to be addressed at this point.”

Mrs. Ovrawah described the gang rape as cruel, dehumanizing and unacceptable, adding that “it is a primitive act of violence against womanhood and those involved in this dastardly and beastly act should be made to give full account of their action.”

She added that the initial dismissive approach by the relevant authorities in this matter without thorough investigation was embarrassing, to say the least.

Ms Carol, who had earlier petitioned the Inspector General of Police over the incident, said “as loyal citizens, we are concerned about the frequent incidences of sexual crimes against young and under-aged girls in our country, Nigeria, who are often victims of assaults; those who report it, traumatized in the hands of officers whose statutory responsibilities compel citizens’ safety and protection especially for the vulnerable.”