The police in Lakes State said they are holding two young men accused of defiling a 12-year-old girl on Monday night in Awerial County.
The state’s police spokesperson, Major Elijah Mabor, told Radio Tamazuj Wednesday that the incident happened when male wedding guests were accommodated in the same hut with young girls due to lack of space.
“The marriage of the victim’s cousin was taking place at their home and this left little space to accommodate female and male guests separately,” he explained. “The young girl (victim) has been issued a Police Form-8 and is receiving medical attention at the Mingkaman PHCC.”
According to Maj. Mabor, the suspects will be taken to court after investigations are completed.
He advised parents to take care of their children, know their whereabouts, and ensure their safety at all times.
“If our people listen to the radio well, then they should pay attention to what I am saying. This should serve as a warning to every parent that young girls should all the time be in the care and protection of their parents,” Maj. Mabor counseled. “This includes where they sleep and where they travel to. No matter what, girls cannot and should not be put in the same room with males, even if they are related.”
He added: “Let us protect our children.”
For her part, the Medical Officer in charge of the Mingkaman PHCC, Grace Gire Moi, confirmed that they received and treated the defiled minor but had to refer her to Juba for further management due to excessive bleeding.
“She was brought in very early on Tuesday morning but was in a very critical condition with excessive bleeding because she experienced cervical and physical tear,” she narrated. “So, we referred her to Juba for advanced care.”