A woman, Mrs. Endurance Ochuko, has called on law enforcement authorities to ensure justice for her 15-year-old daughter after the teenager allegedly accused two brothers of sexually abusing her following her disappearance for two days in Okoro Street, third marine quarter, by third marine Gate, Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State.
The teenager, whose identity is being withheld because she is a minor, was reportedly found hiding inside a church building after an intensive search by family members and residents of the community.
Speaking to journalists, Mrs. Ochuko said the incident began on Saturday, June 20, when she left home for the market with one of her older daughters, leaving the teenager, whom she described as a special child, at home to care for a younger sibling.
According to her, neighbours later informed the family that the teenager had been seen around the residence of Emmanuel Eugene, 18, and Kelvin Eugene, 20, who are brothers, before she disappeared.
Mrs. Ochuko said the teenager briefly returned home during a rainfall, changed her clothes and left again shortly afterwards without informing anyone of her destination.
“When I returned from the market, my daughter was nowhere to be found. We searched throughout Saturday and Sunday but could not locate her. Everyone became worried because nobody knew where she had gone,” she said.
The distraught mother explained that the search continued until Monday morning when her younger sister reportedly discovered the teenager inside a church building in Effurun.
“My sister was cleaning around the church when she noticed someone inside and asked the person to come out. It turned out to be my daughter. She immediately called me and we brought her home,” Mrs. Ochuko said.
According to her, the teenager initially remained silent about her whereabouts and what had happened during her absence.
She alleged that the teenager later opened up after family members repeatedly encouraged her to speak.
“She mentioned the names of the two brothers and said they were responsible for what happened. She said she became afraid and ran away because she did not know how to face the family after the incident,” the mother alleged.
Mrs. Ochuko further claimed that one of the accused brothers actively participated in efforts to search for the missing teenager.
“What surprised me most was that one of them joined us in searching for my daughter after she disappeared. We never suspected anything until she later told us what happened,” she said.
The mother also alleged that her daughter informed family members that Emmanuel Eugene gave her salt and water to drink after the incident.
Demanding justice, Mrs. Ochuko said she had reported the matter to the police and urged authorities to thoroughly investigate the allegations.
“I want justice for my daughter. She is only 15 years old and she is a special child. I want the authorities to investigate this matter thoroughly and ensure justice is done,” she said.
She added that the teenager appeared emotionally distressed following the incident and chose to hide inside the church until she was eventually found by relatives.
However, the two accused young men denied forcing the teenager into any sexual act.
Speaking on the allegations, Emmanuel Eugene admitted having sexual intercourse with the teenager but claimed that she approached him willingly and informed him that she was 18 years old when he asked about her age.
“When I asked her age, she told me she was 18 years old,” Emmanuel said.
Responding to claims that he gave the teenager salt and water after the encounter, Emmanuel confirmed giving her the salt and water drink.
“I was drinking salt and water and she asked me to give her some. That was how I gave her the salt and water,” he stated.
Kelvin Eugene also denied any wrongdoing, insisting that he did not force the teenager and that she approached him voluntarily.
The teenager(girl) said “the second one “Kelvin Eugene” asked to Ben and he fucked from back”. The teenager said.
Main while, Kelvin did not denied ever having sexual intercourse with her but said, “yes I fucked her from back, I asked her to bend and I fucked her but I did not called her to come meet me, she came to me alone”.
The differing accounts have generated concern among residents of the community, many of whom have called for a thorough police investigation into the allegations and the circumstances surrounding the teenager’s disappearance.
Community members urged security agencies to establish the facts of the case and ensure that justice is served in accordance with the law.
As of the time of filing this report, the matter had reportedly been reported to the police for investigation, while police authorities had yet to issue an official statement on the case.
The incident has continued to attract attention within the community, with residents expressing concern over the welfare of the teenager and calling for a transparent investigation into the allegations.
When contacted for comments, the state Police public relations officer, SP Bright Edafe confirmed the incident through message.
The spokesman of the Delta State Police command said, “Confirmed”.