Bassey Ekanem, 73-year-old retired army captain has raped his 4-year-old niece in Calabar, the Cross River state capital.
The incident occurred at 12 Edim Ibangaha Street, Big Qua Town, Calabar.
We also learned that the suspect claimed he was under the influence of alcohol and couldn’t understand why he committed the act.
Findings showed that the victim (names withheld) was violated by the Uncle whom she referred to as grandpa.
A source who pleaded anonymity said that the retired army Cpt has been in the north for years before he came to Calabar after retiring from the army.
“He( suspect) had sent the lady living with him to make soup, while she went to buy fish at Marian market, Bassey lured the little girl into his apartment and started fingering her and broke her hymen in the process.
“It was the victim’s younger brother who is about 2 years who told their mother that grandpa put her hand inside her sister’s “bum bum” before their mother raised alarm and the matter was reported to Akim police station.
When contacted, the Principal Counsel, Basic Right Council Initiative, James Ibor Esq, said the case was one amongst many adding that rape incidents were becoming increasingly alarming.
“I am heartbroken and appalled by the increasing number of rape every day in Calabar and beyond, the Child Rights Act really needs to be implemented to the latter because the girl child is going through a lot.
