Residents of Obunagha Community in Yenagoa Local Government Area have apprehended a 40-year-old bricklayer accused of defiling and sodomizing his 12-year-old stepdaughter, sparking outrage and calls for swift prosecution.
The suspect, whose identity is being withheld was handed over to the State Rapid Response Unit, popularly known as Dor Akpoor (also referred to as Operation Doo Akpor), after being severely flogged by angry indigenes.
According to community sources and family accounts, the victim experienced severe pain and was rushed to the Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital in Okolobiri, where she is receiving intensive care for anal bleeding and related complications.
The biological father of the victim described the incident as deeply tragic, confirming his daughter’s ongoing treatment while stating that the family is consulting on pursuing full legal action against the perpetrator.
Pere Orufa, former President of the Gbarain Youths Federation, confirmed the incident, noting that the suspect had allegedly assaulted the girl once before, with the mother’s knowledge.However, when the abuse recurred, the child suffered intense pain and visible bleeding, prompting the mother to raise an alarm. This led to the community’s swift intervention and the suspect’s apprehension.
Orufa condemned the act as “disgraceful and wicked,” urging mothers—particularly single or divorced women entering new marriages—to remain vigilant and protect their children from potential molestation.
Dr. Dise Ogbise Goddy Harry, Founder of the Do Foundation and leader of related gender-based violence advocacy groups including the Association of Women Against Gender-Based Violence and Operation Save Our Children from Abuse, expressed deep concern over the rising cases.
She highlighted that the incident is one of three recorded involving stepfathers between December 2025 and January 2026, alongside two earlier cases from October to December 2025 involving adult neighbors abusing girls aged 7 to 12.
“These incidents are worrisome and saddening,” Dr. Harry stated. “As civil society organizations, we are awakened to revisit our sensitisation strategies and implement preventive measures to end sexual abuse against our children.”
FG doubles January bond borrowing to N900bn
She called for urgent collaboration among stakeholders in the fight against gender-based violence, urging the Bayelsa State Police Command to thoroughly investigate all related cases and ensure prosecution of the perpetrators.
“For us in the Do Foundation and our partner organizations, we are committed to ensuring no paedophile walks freely on the streets of Bayelsa State again,” she added.
Youth leaders, including those from the Gbarain Youths Federation, have deployed field officers to monitor developments and support justice efforts.
The case underscores ongoing challenges with child sexual abuse in the region, prompting renewed demands for stronger community vigilance, preventive education, and decisive law enforcement action.
Stay ahead with the latest updates! Join The ConclaveNG on WhatsApp and Telegram for real-time news alerts, breaking stories, and exclusive content delivered straight to your phone. Don’t miss a headline — subscribe now!
