Man, 50, forcefully sodomizes 4 underage apprentices; Victims pass out worms
A 50-year old man, Mohammed Abdullahi, from Wushishi Local Government Area of Niger State, has been accused of having sex with four underage boys in his neighbourhood.
All of his victims were his apprentices. He allegedly lured them with sweets, biscuits and other snacks.
One of the victims’ father, Shehu Musa, reported the matter to a vigilance group. Abdullahi was arrested and handed over to the police.
The victim had told his parents about Abdullahi’s acts after feeling unwell.
The Director General of the Niger State Child’s Rights Agency, Mariam Kolo, described the case as “disturbing, nasty and dehumanising.”
Kolo said the case was being treated as a rape case, as the victims were forcefully penetrated.
She said it was disturbing that the victims were afraid to tell their parents because of the fear of being punished, cautioning parents to stop being harsh on their children.
“We need to build the confidence of the children so that they can tell their parents anything or any challenge they are facing at any time.
“It is unfortunate and sad that a child can face this sort of situation and cannot tell his parents. Parents should stop being harsh on their children. You can be strict and friendly at the same time,” Kolo stated.
The DG said the children were undergoing medical treatment to ascertain their status as most of them had been complaining of stomach ache and passing out worms.
She added, “We are awaiting the outcome of the medical report and they will undergo counseling. We need to let them know that what is being done to them is totally wrong and should not continue.”
She reiterated the determination of the agency to tackle all forms of child abuse and to prosecute the perpetrators.
