Outrage Erupts in Adamawa Over Assault of 9-Year-Old Girl by 60-Year-Old Man
A horrific incident in Labakuri village, Demsa Local Government Area of Adamawa State, has triggered widespread outrage among residents after a 9-year-old girl was sexually assaulted by a 60-year-old man who remains at large. The assault occurred on Sunday, April 5, around 7 p.m., as the child was returning home with her brother after attending a wedding in a nearby village.
Details of the Assault
According to eyewitness accounts, the suspect, identified as Iskaku Kahpolo, approached the children as they were walking home. After exchanging greetings, he asked the girl's brother to run an errand to a nearby house, leaving the young girl alone. While the boy was away, the man allegedly dragged the girl into a nearby bush and assaulted her.
The girl's brother, who spoke anonymously, recounted the traumatic experience: "We went to witness a wedding at a nearby village, and on our way back home, it was almost dark. We had already approached our village when we saw the man and greeted him. After the greeting, he asked me to go to a house behind us and call someone for him. When I came back, I didn't see him or my sister. I ran home to report to my parents, and to my surprise, they told me my sister had been rushed to the hospital."
Community Response and Eyewitness Account
An eyewitness described how the girl's cries for help alerted nearby residents: "We were passing by as a group of friends when we heard a loud shout from a nearby bush. It was the voice of a small girl crying for help. We rushed to the scene, turning on our phone lights, and to my surprise, I saw a man standing undressed and a small girl lying helplessly on the ground. When he saw us and we called his name, he ran away into the bush."
The eyewitness further revealed disturbing information about the suspect's history: "Everybody knows him in the village; he has been doing such, sexually assaulting adults and children, and the village people assumed he is being caught by witchcraft, which is making him behave in such a manner."
Medical Treatment and Police Report
The victim was immediately taken to a village clinic where she received medical attention. Due to the severity of the assault, nurses had to perform stitching procedures to address her injuries. The girl's father confirmed that the case has been officially reported to the police and called for urgent action.
The father expressed his anguish: "Iskahu had been doing this to women in the village, and no action was taken by the community leader, even when complaints were taken to him. I have reported this case to the community police station for proper investigation. My daughter is just 9 years old, she's in a traumatic situation that she hardly speaks to anyone and eating is a big problem. I want the police to take urgent action to find him, and he should face the law and the consequences of his barbaric action."
Community Tension and Suspect's Whereabouts
Tension has risen significantly in Labakuri village following the incident. The suspect has reportedly fled the community, with residents now determined to take action against him. According to sources, "No one knows the whereabouts of Ishaku. He has run away from the village because the villagers are now willing to take action against him. What he did to the little girl is out of control."
Broader Context of Violence in Adamawa
This incident follows another recent case of violence in Adamawa State where a 15-year-old girl, Hasia Abdullah, lost sight in her right eye after being allegedly attacked by 27-year-old Adamu Isa over an unpaid food debt. Authorities confirmed the suspect in that case will face legal action, highlighting ongoing concerns about violence against women and children in the region.
The assault of the 9-year-old girl has sparked renewed calls for:
- Immediate police investigation and apprehension of the suspect
- Stronger community protection mechanisms for children
- Justice for the victim and her family
- Addressing historical patterns of sexual violence in the community
As the investigation continues, residents of Labakuri village and surrounding communities await justice for the young victim while grappling with the trauma of this brutal assault.
