A 56-year-old man, simply identified as ‘Old Soldier,’ has been arrested by operatives of the Bayelsa State Police Command for allegedly engaging raping a 13-yearold girl.
Two others, who knew about the matter, but were allegedly trying to cover up for the suspect and prevent the crime from being reported to the Akenfa Divisional Police Station, were also nabbed along with him.
According to some witnesses, ‘Old Soldier’ had repeated unlawful carnal knowledge of the young girl in the Akenfa area of Yenagoa Local Government Area Council of the state, where he’s said to reside.
The suspect, now in police custody, had earlier told the police that the teenager was betrothed to him by her parents, saying he had not committed any offence.
A top Police source in the state, who pleaded anonymity, however, confirmed the development and added that incidence of rape in Bayelsa State had become worrisome.
“I am planning a stakeholders meeting very soon. I want all concerned to come to the round-table and let us find a solution to this ugly trend in the state,” a top police officer stated.
