A human rights group has rescued a 14-year-old girl, Salome Uwem, who was allegedly assaulted physically by her stepfather and stepbrother for resisting their rape bid in Akwa Ibom state.

 

The group, Centre for Basic Rights Protection and Accountability Campaign, in a statement on Tuesday, June 22, said the Akwa State Ministry of Justice has come to the rescue of the SS1 student of Community Secondary School, Uyo.

 

“Salome Uwem, a resident of 14 Ikenba lane, Off Abak Road, Uyo due to incessant assault allegedly by the stepfather and stepbrother approached Mr Manson Dumlebabari, a Youth Corper in the school and member of Centre for Basic Rights Protection and Accountability Campaign, who informed the leadership of Centre for Basic Rights Protection and Accountability Campaign in Port Harcourt,” the statement read.

 

The leadership of Centre for Basic Rights Protection and Accountability Campaign got in touch with the Chairman of Civil Liberties Organization (CLO) in Akwa/Ibom state, comrade Franklyn Isong who informed the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) in the state, led by Emem Etete Esq.

 

FIDA in the state brought the issue to the attention of the Ministry of Justice and a representative of the Ministry Ruth Nfon Esq came to the Community Secondary School, four towns, Uyo.

 

After a meeting with the Principal of the school, and Uncle to the 14 year old girl, the representative of Ministry of Justice, Ruth Nfon Esq took the 14 year old girl to the Ministry for documentation and further action on the matter.

 

The information available indicates that the fourteen-year-old girl will be under the care and custody of the Akwa/Ibom State Government till further notice.

 

In the meantime, a lawyer with Centre for Basic Rights Protection and Accountability Campaign, Barrister (Mrs) Jane. O.A. James Esq has condemned the assault on the 14-year-old girl allegedly by her stepfather and stepbrother for resisting being raped.

 

Barrister Jane James Esq called on the Ministry of Justice to ensure the perpetrators are brought to book if found culpable.

 

Barrister Jane James thanked the Chairman of Civil Liberties Organization (CLO) and Chairperson of FIDA as well as the Ministry of Justice in Akwa/Ibom State for providing succour to the 14-year-old girl.