Three persons have been arrested by operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Sokoto State Command, over the abduction and gang rape of a 15-year-old girl, Amina Abdullahi, in the Gantsare area of Wammako Local Government Area of the state.
The command’s spokesman, DSC Mohammad Zayyanu, in a statement on Tuesday disclosed that the culprits lured, drugged and held the victim for three days.
The statement read, “The suspects include one Halidu Shehu, male, 20 years who is the principal suspect.
“Others are Jamilu Umar, male, 20 years, and Usama Bello, male, 24 years, who were all arrested on January 23, 2025, after a report was filed by the victim’s parents, who had been searching for their missing daughter.
“The suspects held the victim captive for over three days in the principal suspect’s room, subjecting her to repeated sexual assaults.”
Zayyanu further stated that preliminary investigations revealed that one of the suspect, Rabia’tu, remains at large.
“Efforts are underway to apprehend her. The victim has received medical attention, and results from the examination are awaited to aid in the ongoing investigation.
“The Commandant, Usman Ishaq Alfadarai, through his aide, CSC Aliyu Jamilu, strongly condemned the act, describing it as horrific and inhumane.
“He assured the public of the command’s commitment to ensuring that the suspects face the full weight of the law.
“This tragic incident reminds us of the need for parents and guardians to remain vigilant and protective of their children. It also highlights the importance of community involvement in promptly reporting suspicious activities to security agencies,” the statement added.
The NSCDC Sokoto Command has urged stakeholders, including religious and community leaders, to collaborate in creating a society free from heinous crimes.
“Protecting our children is a shared responsibility, and we must stand united in the fight against all forms of criminality,” the Commandant stressed.