A 50-year-old mentally ill woman is at the centre of a disturbing family tragedy in Yobe State after her 26-year-old younger brother, Lukman Nasiru, allegedly lured the lady to a secluded area and sexually assaulted her.
As gathered, the victim’s younger brother allegedly took advantage of his elder sister’s vulnerability, leading her to the outskirts of the village where he allegedly had unlawful sexual intercourse with the 50years old.
Residents of Garin Malam Village in Gamawa Local Government Area of the state narrated that parents of the siblings had entrusted the mentally-ill sister’s care to the young man and that of other siblings.
On Saturday, The Guild learnt that the rape has triggered concerns among residents over the vulnerability of people living with mental illness, particularly those that depend heavily on relatives and caregivers for protection and support.
The case came to light after a 40-year-old man from Gauya Village, in Jakusko Local Government Area of neighbouring Yobe State, reported the matter at the Gamawa Divisional Police Headquarters in the Bauchi state.
According to the Bauchi Police Command, the suspect was promptly arrested following the report, to provide protection for the victim.
The victim and the suspect were subsequently taken to the General Hospital, Gamawa, for medical examination as detectives commenced investigation into the circumstances surrounding the alleged assault.
While details of what transpired before and during the alleged assault were still being investigated, police said the suspect remained in custody as efforts continued to establish the facts of the case.
The Bauchi State Police Command said investigation was in progress, stressing that the allegation would be subjected to due process.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Aliyu Sani-Omolori, reiterated the Command’s zero tolerance for sexual offences and assured members of the public of the police commitment to ensuring justice.
He also urged residents to provide the police with timely and credible information that could help prevent crimes and protect vulnerable members of society.