A 17-year-old girl, Iwasen Terhemba, has allegedly been attacked with a razor blade in Donga Local Government Area of Taraba State, amid claims of prolonged harassment by a married man.
The incident was said to have occurred on Wednesday at the residence of the minor. Sources disclosed that the teenager, who lives under the care of her guardian, Jemila Wanga, had repeatedly rebuffed the advances of a married man identified as Mr Abbas, citing both her age and his marital status.
Tensions reportedly rose after the man’s wife, Ramatu Abbas, became aware of the situation. Residents alleged that she subsequently issued verbal threats against the teenager.
It was gathered that the guardian later approached Abbas to explain that it was her husband who had been harassing the girl and urged her to caution him to stop the behaviour.
However, the matter allegedly escalated when Abbas reportedly went to the girl’s home and attacked her with a razor blade, inflicting injuries on her face.
Community sources further claimed that the suspect warned the victim and her guardian not to report the incident to law enforcement, insisting the matter should be “settled at home.”
Speaking with our correspondent by phone on Thursday, the guardian called for urgent intervention by relevant authorities, alleging that she and her children had received threats.
“I have just lost my husband, and I am still mourning him. They warned me not to report the case to the police and threatened my life and those of my children,” Wanga said. She added that she has been solely responsible for the medical expenses of the injured teenager.
She also appealed to the Taraba State Government, particularly Governor Agbu Kefas, to support the victim’s medical care and ensure justice is done.
The incident has triggered anger within the community, with residents demanding stronger protection for minors and accountability for those involved.
Confirming the development, the spokesperson of the Taraba State Police Command, Victor Mshelizah, said the case had been officially reported and investigations were ongoing.
“The victim was at the police station, and her statement has been taken. The case file is being compiled and will be charged to court,” he said.
Mshelizah added that attempts by some individuals to pressure the family into abandoning the case would not deter the police.
“We are aware of pressures being mounted on the family to withdraw the case, but we will ensure that anyone found culpable is brought to justice”, he said.
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