- Safiu Kehinde
The Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development (MYSD) has, in collaboration with the Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), rescued a nine-year-old girl allegedly assaulted sexually by one Baba Michael.
This came after a Nigerian entertainer, Damilola Adepoju, popularly known as Comedienne Princess, called the attention of the state government to the alleged sexual assault on the minor in a post on X on Friday.
Princess had, in the video, recounted how the girl was allegedly raped while people around her tried covering up for the suspect.
The Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr Mobolaji Ogunlende, confirmed the rescue of the girl in a statement on his official X handle @ Mo_ogunlende on Saturday.
He said that the alleged assault took place at the suspect’s residence, 4, Azeez Ademola Street, off Anishere, Ayobo.
“This is in response to a viral video posted by Comedienne Princess, which raised alarm to notify the public of the ugly incident.
“The survivor has been placed in protective custody and she is receiving necessary medical care and psychological support through counseling, ” Ogunlende said.
According to him, the alleged perpetrator has been apprehended and is currently in custody, with DSVA handling the legal proceedings to ensure justice is served.
Ogunlende said that the swift intervention by MYSD and DSVA underscored the Lagos State Government’s unwavering commitment to protecting the rights and well-being of all residents, particularly vulnerable persons.
The commissioner urged residents to continue to report matters of concern to the ministry, “See Something, Say Something, Sort It Out”.
He reaffirmed government’s zero-tolerance for all forms of sexual and gender-based violence. NAN