The Oyo State State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Hon(Mrs) Toyin Balogun in order to underscore the Zero Tolerance Policy of the Governor Seyi Makinde led government for Sexual & Gender Based Violence( SGBV) cases in Oyo state appeared in court on Monday in expression of empathy,solidarity and support to the 9 year old Girl Child Survivor of a rape incident
The Commissioner immediately swung into action on the 6th with her team from the ministry by collaborating with requisite security agencies,lawyers from FIDA and the Family Court to ensure that justice is served in the interest of the Girl Child involved immediately she received the heartbreaking report of the rape of the minor, which took place on the 6th of July around Moniya axis of the state from a public spirited individual, a youth corper who lives around that general location who alerted her.
According to her, the young girl child survivor is presently in the custody of the Ministry in a safe and secure environment where she is being given adequate care, psychological and psycho- social support to ensure this horrific experience does not derail her life trajectory irretrievably nor define her journey, so she can grow/rise above this to become a productive member of society in future
She said the suspected perpetrator who absconded on the day of the incident has since been tracked down and arrested. His wife was picked up when he absconded but has been released once the perpetrator was found and arrested by the police
“The perpetrator was charged to court yesterday (Monday) morning and has been remanded to jail. He will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law to determine his guilt or otherwise.”
“His remand happened with the Commissioner for Women Affairs & Social Inclusion and, representatives of Child Welfare Dept, Women Program dept and the NSCDC present”
“The Ministry under my watch is determined to protect the interest of all children in Oyo state in general and are also committed to securing justice for the survivor in this instance.”
“Appreciation to the new CP and his team,same also goes for the NSCDC who have given the requisite support in aid of the Ministry’s efforts to ensure that justice is served.”
“The Ministry of Women Affairs & Social Inclusion will be working with professional advice from the Commissioner’s Learned Colleague; the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice to ensure that Justice is secured for the Survivor who in this case is a minor.”
“The government of His Excellency Governor Seyi Makinde is committed to walking it’s talk on its Zero Tolerance to Sexual & Gender Based Violence Policy in Oyo State,” the Commissioner said.