Conscience for Human Rights and Conflict Resolution (CHRCR) has called on Kogi State Government to constitute an investigative panel to probe allegations of rape and assault against the State Commissioner for Water Resources, Abdulmumin Danga.
In a statement signed by the Executive Director of CHRCR, Comrade Idris Miliki, the act of rape is a criminal offence under the Nigeria law and should be be condemned by all.
CHRCR challenged Kogi State Government to wade into the case with full force and mete out necessary punishment on the Commissioner if found guilty.
“It is more worrisome when a government official, in the calibre of a serving commissioner, could be alleged to be involved in such criminal activities. According to the victim Miss Elizabeth Oyeniyi, who seems to have a friendship relationship with the junior sister of the allege perpetrator, and based on the video account of the victim subjected to such serious beating and sexual assault is condemnable and unacceptable in a civilised world and under the Nigeria law and the Constitution Federal Republic of Nigeria. It is inhuman, barbaric, uncivilised, ill-motivated and uncalled for.
“The Government of Kogi State must as a matter of urgency go into this matter with full force and get the necessary punishment which include suspension and outright dismissal where the perpetrator is found guilty of these allege criminal offences which include assault and rape.
“We call on the victim, Miss Elizabeth Oyeniyi, to immediately file a petition with the Nigeria Police, Kogi State Command and send copy to the National Human Rights Commission, Abuja and where she find it necessary with all available evidence in her possession file an action in the court of law where she can claim the necessary damages.
“We call on well-meaning Kogi people, security agents and institutions not to abandon this young promising girl in this her time of need. As an injury to one is an injury to all, therefore, all must act now in the interest of justice,” the statement said.
