Police confirms rape of NYSC member in C’River…suspect arrested

Police command in Cross River State has confirmed the rape of National Youth Service Corps Member, name withheld serving in Bakassi local government area of the state.

The victim according to investigations was raped in her residence at Block A6, Obutong Estate in Ekpri-Obutong in the Bakassi Local Government Area of the State.

The suspect, Michael Edet, our Police source hinted was arrested by the State Police Command. An eyewitness told our correspondent that the suspect broke into the victim’s apartment on Friday at about 11pm when the residents were fast asleep.

The victim’s neighbour, who pleaded for anonymity said, “The suspect broke into the house of the corps member at about 11pm on Friday and allegedly defiled her before carting away her valuables, including phones and cash”.

“As you can see, these houses don’t have burglary-proof bars. It is just the glass and anyone can enter at any time. We live in a very dangerous environment and we have been facing serious security challenges in this estate.

“This is not the first time they are raping women in this place. It is quite unfortunate that this time, it is a visitor (corps member) that was the victim. We learnt that she had been moved to Calabar because as we speak, she is still in shock.

“But we are also happy that the police did a good job by apprehending the culprit. We believe that justice will be served.” Sadly, another corps member, who did not want his name mentioned said that his colleague recognised the suspect because he stayed for close to 30 minutes in her house.

“She told us that she recognised the suspect’s voice and the shoes he wore, but she is still in shock about what happened to her. She was glad he has been arrested,” he said.

When contacted on Monday, the Police Public Relations Officer Ms Irene Ugbo confirmed the story noting that the suspect has been arrested and investigations was on going.

“It is true that the suspect has been arrested after committing the crime. She further said that the suspect went into hiding after realising that he had been recognised and was eventually apprehended at Akpabuyo.

“He is already in Police custody. The victim has identified him as the one who broke into his house that fateful night.”

According to our, the PRO in charge of the state NYSC, Abdullahi Yuguda has commended the action of the Police in Bakassi, which led to the arrest of the culprit. “The NYSC will not relent until justice is done.”