Okowa’s wife calls for investigation of persons involved in abuse of 13-yr-old girl

The Wife of Delta Governor, Dame Edith Okowa, has called for the investigation of persons involved in the brutal abuse of a 13-year-old girl in Warri, resulting in mental and physical complications of the victim.

Okowa made the call during an event to mark the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV), organised under her pet project, ‘05 Initiative’, on Monday in Asaba.

The governor’s wife also pledged to champion the advocacy to ensure that the victim gets due justice.

She sympathised with the victim and urged parents to upscale the vigilance of their children and wards, within and outside their homes.

Okowa also presented a cheque of an undisclosed amount to support the victim’s medical bills as well as a gift from the Governor’ Wives Association to the family.

Meanwhile, Dr Joyce Ogwezi of the Delta State University, in her lecture, observed that gender-based violence is a silent pandemic, posing serious challenges to womenfolk and overall societal development.

Mrs Bridget Anyafulu, the state Commissioner, Directorate of Humanitarian Affairs and Community Support Services, stressed the need for concerted efforts by relevant stakeholders to address all forms of gender-based violence.

Meanwhile, Mr and Mrs Ismaila Taiwo, narrated the abduction of their daughter by unknown persons for several weeks.

They said their daughter was later found pregnant and in unpleasant circumstances near a hotel in Warri metropolis.

The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence has a global theme: ‘Orange the World: End Violence Against Women Now’.