Gombe village head detained over rape of minor

The Gombe State Police Command has confirmed the arrest and detention of a 55-year-old village head from Zambuk community, Yamaltu/Deba Local Government Area, over the alleged rape of a 12-year-old girl.

Police spokesperson, DSP Buhari Abdullahi, disclosed this in a statement issued to journalists on Tuesday in Gombe.

According to him, the incident was reported to Zambuk Police Division at about at 9 p.m. on Saturday, leading to the suspect’s arrest.

“The Ward Head of Sabon Gari, Zambuk, allegedly raped a 12-year-old girl from the same community. Police officers visited the scene, rushed the victim to General Hospital Zambuk for medical examination, and arrested the suspect,” Abdullahi said.

He added that investigation into the case is ongoing and urged residents to report all forms of sexual violence for prompt action.

In a separate development, the police recovered vandalised electric cables, iron pipes, and railway track bolts in Bajoga Town, Funakaye LGA.

Abdullahi also confirmed the arrest of an 18-year-old suspect, described as a wanted armed robber from Kwadom community in Yamaltu/Deba LGA.

The suspect allegedly confessed to involvement in two armed robbery cases currently before the Gombe High Court.

The suspect, along with the recovered exhibits, has been transferred to the Anti-Violence Squad for further investigation and prosecution.

Additionally, seven other suspects were arrested for alleged criminal conspiracy, vandalism, and theft of railway line steel slippers.