A 19-year-old herdsman living in Oba-Ile in Osun State, Issa Abiodun, has been arrested for defiling a six-year-old girl.

The victim, it was learnt, was sent on an errand by her mother when the herdsman, whose cows were grazing by the roadside, accosted her and took her into a nearby bush, where he allegedly defiled her.

The mother of the victim, identified simply as Mrs Oladunmoye, said her daughter was sent to buy fruit juice for her sibling from a nearby shop.

The mother said, “On her way, she saw cows blocking the road and she was scared. The herdsman, who was with the cows, having realised that the girl was terrified, offered to assist.

“Rather than doing that, he took the girl to a nearby bush and defiled her. When I was called and I got to the scene, my daughter’s clothing was soaked in blood.

“Through the assistance of the vigilantes, the perpetrator was arrested and handed over to the police.

“My daughter is presently lying sick in the hospital. Apart from the money already spent, we urgently need a sum of N84,000 to buy drugs and other things needed for her treatment.”

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Folasade Odoro, confirmed that the suspect had been arrested, while the victim had been taken to the Ladoke Akintola University Teaching Hospital, Osogbo, for treatment.

The Chairperson, International Federation of Women Lawyers, Osun State chapter, Folasade Julius-Adekanmi, urged parents to monitor closely their children and wards, especially during the festive season. (The Punch)

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