Reacting to reports that a teenage girl, Patience Paul, was abducted and forcefully married off in Sokoto, the state government on Thursday, revealed that it has ordered an investigation into the matter.
The girl’s father, Paul Adaji, who’s from Ochobo in Ohimini Local Government Area of Benue State, revealed that his daughter has been missing since August 12, 2015.
Adaji also stated that Patience was once seen at the Sultan of Sokoto’s palace, but added that she wasn’t found there when they attempted to take her back to Benue.
Governor Aminu Tambuwal’s spokesperson, Imam Imam, released a statement to this effect, stating that the governor has mandated the state’s human rights commission and other agencies to urgently look into the alleged abduction.
“Gov Aminu Waziri Tambuwal directed the state Human Rights Commission to undertake a thorough investigation into the allegations and report same to the government. In the interim, the Human Rights Commission was asked to present an interim report and update the public with all information as it becomes available.”
“In the first 24 hours, the state Human Rights Commission has contacted the Sultanate Council and the State Police Command for a briefing. The state Human Rights Commission has also spoken to the State Hisbah Commission, as well as the person whose phone number was given in the initial allegation made online.”
“Despite efforts, however, the state Human Rights Commission has been unable to contact the family of Patience Paul or anyone who will shed more light on the allegations.”
“Other institutions to be contacted are Citizens Rights Dept, Attorney General’s Chambers, Ministry of Justice, Sokoto on 08035903799. Agencies to be contacted: The Nigeria Police, Sokoto State Police Command Headquarters, Sokoto or state Human Rights Commission [email protected] and 07066666618, 08158582828. Other agencies to be contacted are office of Media and Public Affairs, Governor’s Office, Sokoto on 07037072938, [email protected].”
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