Following the capture of alleged child killer and ritualist, Ifeanyi Dike, the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr Dakuku Peterside has said that he is ready to honour the pledge of N500,000 he promised whoever has information leading to his re-arrest.

Dike was accused of raping and killing an eight-year-old girl in Port Harcourt, Rivers State before removing some vital organs from her body for what was suspected to be for a ritual purpose. However, Dike escaped from police custody, prompting a nationwide manhunt.

With the re-arrest of the suspect, in Jos, Plateau State, Peterside said on Saturday: “My word is my bond, and I am ready to fulfill the pledge once the Police can establish who gave information that led to his arrest.”

The NIMASA DG, who was visibly touched when he heard about the escape of the suspect, called on the Police to ensure diligent prosecution of the fugitive, who he said deserved to face the full wrath of the law.

He expressed worry over increasing cases of rape and killing of young children and women across Nigeria, saying a society that is not ready to protect women will never progress.

“The future of Nigeria lies in the hands of women. A healthy society that respects and protects women will inevitably develop. We cannot afford to let ugly things happen to our women. We must all rise and lend our voice to this growing evil being perpetrated against them.

“Let me call the Police and relevant security agencies not to treat issues relating to rape, killing and assault on women lightly. These are the people who gave birth to us and care for us. Any society without protection for females is doomed.

“I want to urge all Rivers people to join hands with the police to rid the state of criminal minds who are robbing us of our sleep and doing harm to our children. Let me also call on the Rivers State government to stop at nothing in ridding the state of crime and criminals,” he enthused

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