Man flogged to death in Bayelsa for allegedly raping 10-year-old
A 47-year-old man has died after recieving 40 lashes of cane for allegedly raping a 10-year-old girl. The deceased, identified as Mr. Emi Sigah, died yesterday at Ekeowe Community, Southern
- From Okungbowa Aiwerie, Yenagoa
A 47-year-old man has died after recieving 40 lashes of cane for allegedly raping a 10-year-old girl.
The deceased, identified as Mr. Emi Sigah, died yesterday at Ekeowe Community, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, Bayelsa State.
It was learnt that an age-long tradition in Ekeowe community stipulates 120 strokes of the cane on the rapist from each of the 12 families that make up the community to serve as punishment for the crime.
It was gathered that the rape victim had accompanied a relative to a nearby farm to pluck okra when she was allegedly ambushed by the suspect while her relative was in front on their return from farm.
It was learnt the suspect was caught allegedly molesting the teen in a nearby bush.
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The Nation gathered some residents offered various sums in lieu of flogging but residents were adamant, insisting that traditions must be followed to serve as deterrent.
It was learnt the suspect was subjected to a 120 marathon flogging but collapsed after receiving 40 strokes and was later confirmed dead.
Chairman, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, Mr. Target Segibo condemned the action of the youth, urging them not to take laws into their hands.
He said normalcy had returned to the community following the timely intervention of security operatives.
Segibo, who spoke through his aide, Ayebatari Easterday, said the community’s youth president and three others have been arrested in connection with the death of the rape suspect and taken to the Criminal Investigative Department (CID) of the Bayelsa State Police Command in Yenagoa.
Mr.Easterday added that the police in Oporoma Town, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area in company of council officials evacuated the body of the suspect and deposited it at the Federal Medical Centre in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa capital.
Segibo urged residents to report criminal suspects to the appropriate authorities instead of taking laws into their hands.
“In as much as Council does not align with the repugnant attempted rape of a minor, the action of the youth is alien to law. It would have only been commendable if they had reported the matter to security agencies for the law to take its course,” he added.
