By Abdullahi Inuwa
The Bauchi State Police Command has urged parents, guardians and community leaders to remain vigilant and encourage children to speak up against sexual abuse, using the arrest of a 50-year-old man over the alleged defilement of a nine-year-old girl as a reminder of the need to protect vulnerable children.
In a press statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Nafiu Habibu, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu, the police said the suspect was arrested by operatives attached to the Bulkachuwa Divisional Police Headquarters following a complaint received from the victim’s father.
According to the statement, the incident allegedly occurred in Bulkachuwa, Katagum Local Government Area, where the suspect reportedly lured the child, who was hawking soya bean cakes, to an uncompleted building under the pretext of buying from her before allegedly sexually assaulting her.
The Command said the victim sustained injuries and was immediately taken to the Primary Health Care Centre in Bulkachuwa for medical examination and treatment, while the suspect was taken into custody.
Police further disclosed that during interrogation, the suspect allegedly confessed to the offence and admitted threatening the child with a knife to stop her from informing her parents.
Describing the incident as disturbing, Commissioner of Police Sani-Omolori Aliyu condemned all forms of sexual violence against children and directed that a thorough investigation be conducted to ensure justice is served.
The Commissioner reaffirmed the Command’s zero-tolerance stance on crimes against women and children, assuring residents that the case would be diligently prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The Police Command also called on members of the public not to ignore signs of abuse, urging parents to maintain open communication with their children and report suspected cases promptly to law enforcement agencies. It stressed that early reporting remains one of the most effective ways to protect children and hold offender
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