The Taraba State Government has restated its zero-tolerance stance on violence against children, insisting that justice must take its full course in the assault of a 17-year-old girl in Donga Local Government Area.
Commissioner for Women Affairs and Child Development, Mrs Mary Sinjen, gave the assurance in Jalingo on Monday while receiving the victim, Miss Iwasen Terhemba, whose ordeal has stirred public outrage across the state and beyond.
The teenager was reportedly attacked with a razor blade after she was falsely accused of being involved in a relationship with a married man. The alleged assailant is said to be the man’s wife, Mrs Rammatu Abbas. Images of the girl’s injuries, which circulated widely on social media, triggered swift government intervention.
Mrs Sinjen said the administration would not tolerate any attempt to trivialise the incident or shield those responsible, stressing that neither social standing nor personal connections would obstruct the wheels of justice.
“This is not a private dispute that can be swept under the carpet. It is an offence against the state and a clear violation of laws put in place to protect children. We will pursue this matter to its logical conclusion,” she said.
The commissioner disclosed that upon learning of the incident online, she immediately directed the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Rev. Eric Juyoh Madu, alongside other senior officials, to investigate the case and ensure the safety of the victim and her family. The girl and her guardians were subsequently evacuated to Jalingo for medical care and protection.
She expressed relief that the victim is responding positively to treatment, noting that the government’s priority remains her recovery, welfare and access to justice.
Mrs Sinjen also voiced concern over reports that, although the matter had been charged to court, an out-of-court settlement was being contemplated on the grounds that the victim had allegedly forgiven the suspects.
Such an approach, she argued, undermines the rule of law and sends a dangerous signal to society.
Reaffirming her ministry’s mandate, the commissioner said efforts were ongoing to apprehend Mr Abbas and ensure that all parties linked to the assault are held accountable.
Investigations revealed that Mr Abbas, whose whereabouts are currently unknown, reportedly divorced his wife shortly after the incident.
