A 17-year-old girl, Iwasen Terhemba was reportedly attacked with a razor blade in the Donga Local Government Area, Taraba State, after allegations that she had been repeatedly harassed by a married man.
The incident reportedly occurred took place at the teenager’s residence on Wednesday. Sources said the girl, who lives with her guardian, Jemila Wanga, had repeatedly been approached by a married man identified as Mr Abbas but she consistently rejected his advances, citing her age and his marital status.
Tensions reportedly escalated after the man’s wife, Ramatu Abbas, became aware of the situation, with residents saying she began issuing verbal threats against the minor.
In an attempt to resolve the matter, the girl’s guardian reportedly approached Abbas to explain that her husband had been harassing the girl and urged her to intervene.
The situation reportedly turned violent when Abbas allegedly went to the girl’s house and attacked her with a razor blade, causing injuries to her face.
Community sources claimed the suspect warned the victim and her guardian not to report the incident to the authorities, insisting that the matter should be “settled at home.”
The guardian has appealed for urgent intervention by the authorities, saying she and her children have been threatened.
“I have just lost my husband, and I am still mourning him. They warned me not to report the case to the police and threatened my life and those of my children,” Wanga said, adding that she had been bearing the medical costs of the injured teenager.
She also called on the Taraba State Government, especially Governor Agbu Kefas, to provide medical assistant to the victim and ensure that justice is served.
The incident has sparked outrage in the community, with residents demanding protection for minors and accountability for those involved.
Confirming the attack, Taraba State Police Command spokesman Victor Mshelizah said the case had been reported and investigations are ongoing.
“The victim was at the police station, and her statement has been taken. The case file is being compiled and will be charged to court,” he said.
Mshelizah added that efforts by some community members to dissuade the victim from pursuing the case would not prevent the police from carrying out their duties.
“We are aware of pressures being mounted on the family to withdraw the case, but we will ensure that anyone found culpable is brought to justice”, he said.
