Outcry as chemist rapes 14-year-old apprentice in Jos

A family in the Gangare community of Jos North Local Government Area, Plateau State, is desperately seeking justice after their 14-year-old daughter was allegedly raped by her employer, prompting a strong community reaction.

The victim, who worked as an apprentice at the suspect’s chemist shop, identified the alleged attacker as Ibrahim, popularly known as Baban Siyama.

According to the family, Ibrahim was briefly arrested but later released by some local community leaders, a move they believe undermined the initial attempt to secure justice.

The victim recounted the disturbing event, stating it happened between 7 and 8 p.m. on a rainy Sunday. She said her boss “betrayed her,” explaining that he locked the door, threatened her with scissors, forcibly removed her clothes, and sexually assaulted her.

Her elder sister, who usually walks her home, grew suspicious upon finding her in a “strange condition” and later learned of the assault around 2 a.m. when the girl finally broke down crying.

The case was reported to the C Division Police Station in Jos the following morning.

Following the report, Hassan Guda, the ward head of Gangare, vowed to ensure the suspect is apprehended and prosecuted, though he noted the case was not initially reported directly to him by the parents.

With the suspect currently at large, community members have threatened to shut down the community if Ibrahim is not brought to justice, escalating pressure on law enforcement.

The C Division Police Station has reportedly issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the community leader to produce the suspect.