By: Ahmed Aminu, Dutse
Some Women groups under the egies of Jigawa Women Development Initiative, on Thursday staged a protest at the Government House Dutse, demanding for the release of Walida Abdullahi to her family.
Walida, a minor, was allegedly abducted by an officer of the Department of State Services, detained her for two years without the knowledge of her family, impregnated her and converted her to Christianity.
The protesters blocked the entrance to the Government House carrying placards calling for the girl’s immediate release and swift prosecution of the suspect, identified as Ifeanyi Festus Onyewuenyi.
Speaking during the protest, leader of the group, Aisha Shamsuddeen, said the women groups were at the Government House to express sympathy and solidarity with the victim and her family over what she described as an inhumane act against them.
She commended the intervention of Governor Umar Namadi, describing his response as that of a responsible leader and father.
According to her, the rescue of the girl and her baby, now under the custody of the Jigawa State Government, demonstrates the governor’s commitment to protecting the dignity, welfare and rights of Jigawa citizens.
The women groups further urged members of the public to support the state government in ensuring that justice is served in the matter.
Meanwhile, Governor Namadi has met with the parents and lawyer of the victim at the Government House in Dutse and briefed them on her condition.
A statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Hamisu Mohammed Gumel, disclosed that Walida is currently undergoing rehabilitation at a medical facility at the expense of the Jigawa State Government.
The statement added that the girl would be reunited with her family after completing her rehabilitation.
The governor also assured the family of the state government’s commitment to her full recovery, continued education and overall welfare.
