Mohammed Abdullahi a 50-year old man, has sodomised four minors in the Wushishi Local Government Area of Niger State. The victims were alleged to be his apprentices.
Northern City News sources explained that the suspect did not have a wife, and migrated from Kebbi State.
The suspect reportedly enticed the boys with sweets, biscuits and other snacks.
He was exposed when one of his victims became sick and due to his parents probing confessed to them the supposed cause of his stomach pains.
The victim’s father, Shehu Musa, reported the matter to a vigilance group which arrested the suspect and handed him over to the police in Zungeru, however The case was soon taken on board by the Child’s Rights Agency.
One of the victims said Abdullahi forcefully had intimate knowledge of him when he slept at his house, The boy stated that resisted the advances and even promised to expose him.
Mariam Kolo the Director General of the Niger State Child’s Rights Agency, described the case as “disturbing, nasty and dehumanising.”
Kolo said the agency had to take over the investigation because it was a rape case, adding that the suspect was still in the police custody and would be handed over to the state Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department for investigation and prosecution.
She said it was sad that the victims would not tell their parents because of the fear of being punished, she cautioned parents to stop being harsh on their children.
“We need to build the confidence of the children so that they can tell their parents anything or any challenge they are facing at any time.
“It is unfortunate and sad that a child can face this sort of situation and cannot tell his parents. Parents should stop being harsh on their children. You can be strict and friendly at the same time.” Kolo stated.
The children were undergoing medical treatment to ascertain their status as most of them had been complaining of stomach ache and passing out worms.
She reiterated the determination of the agency to tackle all forms of child abuse and to prosecute the perpetrators.