The police in Abia State have arrested a man identified as Chinazum Ubani for allegedly attacking a 14-year-old girl with a machete following a failed rape attempt in Obete Nchina village, Ntighauzo community, Obingwa Local Government Area.
According to reports, the incident occurred when the victim, Miss Anaba, went to the bush with her peers to gather firewood. The suspect allegedly attempted to sexually assault the teenager, who resisted, prompting the violent machete attack.
Mr. Chijioke Anaba, the victim's father, confirmed the attack, stating that the suspect initially fled the scene after the assault. The alarm was raised by the girl's companions who escaped and alerted villagers, who then mobilized a search party and rescued the injured teenager.
"They have arrested the suspect, but from what's happening, I am afraid that Chinazum may be released from detention to continue his attack and kill my daughter," Mr. Anaba expressed with concern.
The father further disputed claims that the suspect is mentally unstable, insisting that this is merely a ploy to evade justice. "The police should do their job because the boy is now a risk to the people in the village. The Police are saying he is a mad man but it's not true," he emphasized.
The suspect is currently being held at the Eastern Ngwa Police Division. However, Mr. Anaba has called for proper prosecution, expressing fears that if released, the suspect might launch another attack on his daughter who is currently receiving treatment in hospital.
In his appeal for justice, the victim's father has urged the Abia State First Lady, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, to intervene in the case as his daughter continues to recover from her injuries.
This incident adds to growing concerns about sexual violence against minors in Nigeria, where cases of attempted rape and assault continue to be reported across various states.
