Family Seeks Justice as 15 Year-Old Sokoto Girl Dies After Alleged Sexual Assault

By Fahad Faruk Galadanchi

The family of a 15 year-old girl, Fadimatu Abubakar Gizo, has appealed for justice following her alleged sexual assault and subsequent death in Yarume Mai-Hako village, Wamakko Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

The family called on the authorities to conduct an independent and thorough investigation into the incident and ensure that anyone found responsible is prosecuted in accordance with the law.

Fadimatu was reportedly attacked while gathering firewood with other girls in a nearby forest. She later died following the alleged assault.

Her death has sparked grief and concern among residents of the community, with her parents and traditional leaders demanding answers over the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The deceased’s father, speaking while mourning his daughter, appealed to the Federal Government, Sokoto State Government, Nigeria Police Force, National Human Rights Commission and other relevant agencies to intervene and ensure justice.

He said the family was devastated by the loss and wanted the suspects already in police custody to face prosecution if investigations establish their involvement.

“We are deeply bereaved and emotionally devastated by the death of our daughter.

“We want all the suspects arrested and currently being detained to face justice. We appeal to the authorities to come to our aid and ensure that whoever is responsible for the death of our daughter does not escape justice” he said.

Fadimatu’s mother, Malama Yar Buga, urged investigators to ensure that the circumstances surrounding her daughter’s death were fully established.

She said the family could not comprehend how the teenager’s life had ended so suddenly, noting that she had a future ahead of her and that preparations were reportedly underway for her marriage.

“We cannot understand how the life of our daughter could end this way. She had a future ahead of her, and preparations were being made for her marriage” she said.

The Ward Head of Yarume Mai-Hako, Alhaji Abubakar Yarume, described the incident as a tragedy for the community and called for a comprehensive investigation.

According to him, Fadimatu was known in the community as a disciplined and humble girl, and her death had left residents devastated.

“We will not rest until justice is served. Fadimatu was an honest, disciplined and humble girl, and her life was cut short”he said.

Two friends of the deceased, Khadijah Buba and Faiza Bello, were also reported to have given information to investigators as part of efforts to establish what happened.

Confirming the development, the Sokoto State Police Command said some suspects had been arrested in connection with the case.

The Command’s spokesperson, DSP Ahmed Rufai, said the suspects were being held at the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID while investigation continued.

Rufai said the police would thoroughly investigate the matter to determine the circumstances surrounding the teenager’s death.

The case has renewed calls for greater protection of children and vulnerable persons, as well as prompt and effective investigation of alleged sexual and violent crimes.